A Pakistan Mart is set to be established in Dubai to enhance the global presence of Pakistani exports, according to state broadcaster Radio Pakistan. The move underscores the deep-rooted diplomatic, economic, and cultural relationship between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates — one of Pakistan’s key trading partners in the Middle East and a major contributor to remittances, owing to the sizeable Pakistani expatriate community residing in the UAE.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan described the initiative as a “game changer” for the country’s trade ambitions. He stated that the Pakistan Mart will provide crucial support for exporters by offering them a platform to reach markets across the globe.
The project is a collaborative effort led by Pakistan’s National Logistics Corporation (NLC) and DP World, a prominent logistics company based in the UAE. It is aimed at easing access for Pakistani products into international markets through Dubai’s strategic trade position.
Pakistan’s trade with the UAE has shown a steady upward trajectory in recent months. In FY25, exports to the UAE rose by 1.87% to $2.121 billion from $2.082 billion the previous year. This followed a remarkable 41.15% surge in FY24, largely driven by increased shipments to Dubai. Major Pakistani exports to the UAE include rice, bovine meat, cotton garments, mangoes, and guavas.
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On the import side, Pakistan brought in goods worth $7.958 billion from the UAE in FY25 — a 25.75% increase from $6.328 billion a year earlier. However, this also contributed to a growing trade deficit with the Middle East, which widened by 7.37% to $13.974 billion in FY25, largely due to a spike in petroleum imports.
The launch of the Pakistan Mart is expected to help bridge this imbalance by boosting outbound trade, expanding market access, and promoting Pakistani products to a global consumer base.