Pakistan, July 25 -- Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates strengthened economic ties this year, with bilateral trade increasing by 20.24 percent to $10.1 billion in fiscal 2024-25, according to State Bank of Pakistan data cited by Radio Pakistan on Thursday.

The state broadcaster report attributed the gains to the efforts of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a civil-military body set up in 2023 to fast-track Gulf and other foreign investments in Pakistan's key sectors. Islamabad aims to leverage these ties to reduce its import bill, attract capital, and create jobs.

The renewed focus on FDI comes amid Pakistan's efforts to diversify exports and stabilize its economy under an IMF-supported reform program. "There has be...