Pakistan and Oman have reaffirmed their commitment to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, logistics, energy, food security, tourism and technology during the eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Islamabad. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen economic relations, improve institutional coordination and create opportunities for businesses and investors in the two countries.
A key outcome of the meeting was the establishment and operationalisation of joint working groups covering trade and investment, agriculture, oil and gas, and labour and human resource development. The two countries also encouraged closer engagement between their business communities and greater investment in special economic zones and free zones. They agreed to hold a business-to-business investment forum in Pakistan in the near future to help companies explore commercial partnerships. The leaders also announced plans to sign agreements covering communication and technology, historical documentation, records and archives management, and media cooperation, alongside an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports.
Labour mobility, vocational training and human resource development were also discussed, with both governments expressing interest in creating more opportunities for skilled Pakistani professionals and workers. Oman’s foreign minister highlighted the importance of closer private-sector partnerships and continued cooperation in education, science, technology and people-to-people exchanges. The discussions also covered regional stability, with both sides emphasising dialogue and diplomacy to address tensions and maintain the safety of important maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb, which are significant for international trade and energy supplies.
The two countries also discussed the potential for increased trade in connection with a proposed free trade agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Dar said the agreement was in its final stages and could help expand business activities between Pakistan and Gulf markets. Oman was described as a potential gateway for Pakistani businesses seeking access to GCC countries because of its geographical proximity. Both sides agreed to hold the ninth session of the Joint Ministerial Commission in Oman next year, providing another opportunity to review progress on cooperation initiatives and identify further areas for collaboration.
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