Senior executives from DP World and the National Logistics Cell (NLC) visited the Capital Office of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to discuss a significant new collaboration. The meeting focused on launching “Pakistan Mart,” a joint project in Dubai aimed at promoting Pakistani goods and strengthening trade ties in the region.
During their visit, Abdullah Yaqoob, Head of Traders Market at DP World, alongside Vice Chairman Fakhar Alam and NLC Director of Plans Brigadier Muhammad Yousaf, met with FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh. The leaders discussed avenues for cooperation and explored ways to boost exports of Pakistani products to the Gulf region and beyond.
Addressing the gathering, Abdullah Yaqoob expressed enthusiasm for the Pakistan Mart initiative. He stressed that establishing such an institution in a major economic hub like Dubai would play a pivotal role in raising the international profile of Pakistani products. Yaqoob highlighted that Pakistan Mart will exclusively showcase goods made in Pakistan, with the aim of creating a strong identity for the country abroad. “Pakistan Mart is not just a business venture; it is a platform that will represent Pakistan internationally,” he remarked.
Vice Chairman of DP World, Fakhar Alam, elaborated on the economic significance of the joint venture. He underlined that business communities are central to a nation’s growth and noted that Dubai already hosts a Chinese Dragon Mart, while India is in the process of building its own mart valued at 180 million dollars in the same locality. Alam revealed that Pakistan successfully secured the prime land for their mart, outmaneuvering other regional competitors. He added that Dubai’s royal family has granted Pakistan millions of dollars’ worth of land for the project free of charge. Additionally, Pakistani products sold at Pakistan Mart will not be subject to the usual 5 percent duty, and a dedicated warehouse will be constructed opposite the mart to facilitate logistics.
DP World, Alam noted, employs 180,000 workers globally and operates at 96 ports worldwide. He called upon the Pakistani business community to play an active role in ensuring the project’s success.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasized the potential for the DP World and NLC partnership to open new trade corridors throughout the region. He drew parallels to the Dragon Mart, which has become a cornerstone of Sino-UAE economic cooperation, and expressed hope that Pakistan Mart would emerge as a similar success story. Sheikh asserted that Pakistan Mart could help Pakistan reach its export goal of two billion dollars to the UAE, given the quality of Pakistani rice and other products poised to gain a share of the Dubai market. He described the project as an example of economic diplomacy that will enhance Pakistan’s image abroad and pledged FPCCI’s full support to the initiative.
Brigadier Muhammad Yousaf, NLC’s Director of Plans, reiterated that the partnership between NLC and DP World is set to unlock new trade opportunities across the region, further integrating Pakistan into global supply chains.
The joint efforts of DP World, NLC, and FPCCI signal a new chapter for Pakistan’s export sector, with Pakistan Mart positioned as a flagship venture for the country’s international business ambitions.
