Pakistan is all set to digitally connect its workforce portal with the UAE, said Syed Zulifqar Abbas Bukhari, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resources Development, in a bilateral meeting with Nasser Bin Thani Al Hamli, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratization of the UAE, held in Dubai on 16 October 2019 on the sidelines of the Ministerial Consultations of Abu Dhabi Dialogue.

The two Ministers recalled the historic and friendly relations between the two countries and stressed on further strengthening these relations in line with the direction set by the leaders of two countries.

The SAPM apprised on the recent efforts made by Pakistan to digitally connect its workforce platform with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources. The both sides agreed to work closely to actualize this proposal.

The two Ministers also underscored on early implementation of the MoU in the field of Manpower recently signed between Pakistan and the UAE.

The SAPM hoped that the digital connectivity would play a key role in improving employment opportunities for Pakistanis in UAE. Furthermore this cooperation will minimize the cost of recruitment and will make the process of recruitment fair, efficient and transparent. The SAPM also emphasized on the importance of accreditation of skill sets in line with the UAE job market requirement and future dynamics of the workplace.

The UAE Minister acknowledged the important role of Pakistani workforce in the development of the UAE.

Pakistan and the UAE have a long history of close and friendly relations, strengthened by shared interests, common values and identity of views on all issues of mutual concern.

The SAPM was in Dubai to attend the 5th Ministerial Consultations of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD). The ADD was established in 2008 as a forum for dialogue and cooperation between Asian countries of labour origin and destination. The ADD consists of the twelve Member States of the Colombo Process namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam; and six Gulf countries of destination: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Malaysia.

Trade between the UAE and Pakistan stood at $9 billion (Dhs33 billion) in 2018, while trade in the first quarter of this year stood at $254 million.