The fifth Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission meeting has secured more substance than antics to strengthen bilateral trade ties. The meeting, attended by commerce and energy ministries of either side, furthered mutual ties through yet-to-be signed understanding on preferential trade agreement and a free trade agreement. Since the landmark visit to Pakistan of Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in June, both countries have established an unbreakable bond of friendship. Qatar, which is going to host the FIFA World Cup 2022, has got an offer from Pakistan to establish a plant there to manufacture footballs for the Cup as well as subsequent football matches. Given the interest of Qatar’s government, it is hoped Pakistani sports goods will be used in the FIFA World Cup 2022. One would remember that during the visit of the Qatar emir, the prime minister gifted a bat to the royal visitor, while the emir presented the jersey of the Qatar national football team to him. Other than sports trade, a major group in Qatar’s energy sector has offered investment in Pakistan’s power sector and the power consortium is set to take part in the bid for the privatisation of the Haveli Bahadur Shah and Balloki power plants. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has much to learn from Qatar Airways, one of the leading airlines in the world. It is a good development that the two countries will work together on an air service agreement in other areas of aviation as well. Similarly, our manufacturing sector has many areas where it can learn from Qatar. The trade exchange between the two countries is in Qatar’s favour due to its high-valued export products. Pakistan’s best export to the Gulf state is its manpower. Right now, 150,000 Pakistanis are working in Qatar and remitting about $400 million annually to the Pakistani economy. In recent years, Pakistan has lobbied to secure more positions for doctors, engineers and other skilled manpower in Qatar. It is also time for both countries to enhance cooperation regarding financial intelligence related to money laundering and terror financing. Pakistan kept a fine balance between Doha and other Gulf capitals that enforced a blockade upon it in June 2017, and helped Qatar stimulate its food and services sectors. Both Qatar and Pakistan can now help each other overcome economic and political difficulties. *