Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), addressed Pakistani investors and businessmen in Dubai, emphasizing Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic stability and growth prospects.
He stated that inflation had dropped to 2.4% in January 2025, while the policy interest rate had been lowered to 12%. He also noted a significant rise in remittances, which reached $13 billion during the fiscal year, and exports, including IT exports, which have seen steady growth compared to the previous year.
Shehbaz Sharif attributed Pakistan’s economic stability to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, which, despite challenges, has laid the foundation for sustained growth. However, he cautioned that the economic recovery journey remains "long and tough."
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses a delegation of prominent Pakistani Businessmen and investors in Dubai.
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 10, 2025
🇵🇰 🇦🇪 #PMShehbazInUAE#WorldGovernmentsSummit#PMAttendsWGS2025 pic.twitter.com/zP0triVAfq
The PM highlighted Pakistan’s vast mineral resources, worth trillions of dollars, acknowledging past shortcomings in their development. However, he assured investors that significant progress was now being made in the mining sector.
PM Shehbaz also underscored the youth’s potential in Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), saying 60% of Pakistan’s population was between 15 and 30 years old. He revealed that the federal and provincial governments are working on creating job opportunities and skill development programs to empower the youth in emerging fields.
He also touched upon Pakistan’s agriculture sector, which he said had long been neglected. To address this, he claimed, the government was sending 1,000 fresh agricultural graduates to China for specialized training in modern farming techniques, with the initiative fully funded by Pakistan.
The PM stressed the importance of value-added production, acknowledging that Pakistan has lagged behind in this area. He assured that the government is making tireless efforts to boost manufacturing and industrial output.
Shehbaz Sharif's UAE visit
Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the UAE on a two-day official visit at the invitation of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaches Dubai on a two day official visit of UAE to participate in World Governments Summit.
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 10, 2025
🇵🇰 🇦🇪 #PMShehbazInUAE#WorldGovernmentsSummit#PMAttendsWGS2025 pic.twitter.com/DT9eykOhAZ
During his stay, he will address the World Governments Summit in Dubai and hold high-profile meetings, including discussions with:
- UAE prime minister on bilateral relations.
- Sri Lankan President Anuradha Kumaraswamy to enhance economic and trade cooperation.
- Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Al Abdullah Al Sabah to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.
- Bosnian Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić to explore investment opportunities.
The PM will also engage with Pakistani expatriates, investors, and business leaders in the UAE to encourage foreign direct investment in Pakistan.
Shehbaz is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, Awais Leghari, Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. This marks Shehbaz Sharif’s second visit to the UAE since assuming office as prime minister.
