By Hamid Mahmood ISLAMABAD, Feb. 03 (INP-WealthPK): The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is Pakistan’s largest commercial partner in the Middle East besides being a key source of investments and remittances. With the operation of Gwadar Port and steady progress of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan is ready to connect with the Middle East. Today's marine economy recognizes the seas and oceans as the primary source of long-term economic growth across the world. Owing to its closeness to the Strait of Hormuz (SoH), the principal shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, Gwadar port appears as an excellent hub port in the area, attracting commerce from Central Asia, Afghanistan, and west China, etc. Gwadar's geostrategic location now allows it to monitor and control oil trade routes as well as Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) linking South Asia, West Asia, Africa, and Central Asia. Gwadar's deep-sea port is one of the few unique qualities that allow it to extend its activities. It has the same functional capacity as the Persian Gulf ports. Pakistan is attempting to establish a new corporate domain similar to that of the UAE. Industrial brick-and-mortar investments are promoted in special economic, technical, and export zones. On December 16, 2021, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood said the UAE’s 'Brothers Gas' had announced USD 15 million investment in the Faisalabad Special Economic Zones (SEZ). Since China is now the city's largest non-oil trading partner, Dubai and Gwadar are likely to become sister ports. As a result, Gwadar will handle virtually all of the UAE's $50 billion China commerce by sea. Gwadar will have to learn a lot from Dubai's success story, which is a mature port equipped with state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). When fully operating, Gwadar will assist to boost marine commerce between Dubai and other ports while also reducing congestion. Pakistan and the UAE have had warm and generous bilateral ties. Pakistan was the world's first country to recognize the UAE's sovereignty and its contributions to this new country included the establishment of vital sectors, significant deployment of labour and national infrastructure, as well as regional support. In a recent speech commemorating the UAE's 50^th National Day, Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mahmood said economic and commercial ties were the cornerstone of Pak-UAE relations. He said the UAE was one of Pakistan's largest foreign investors, adding that economic connections with the country were increasing. He said bilateral trade volume was over $8 billion, making the UAE Pakistan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and Northern Africa. According to WealthPk research, in 2018, bilateral trade was worth more than USD 9 billion. The trade value fell to roughly US$7.58 billion in 2019 and to $5.63 billion in 2020 due to worldwide trade restrictions. However, the current year's trade volume is up again, reaching $8.33 billion by 2021 which is depicted in the given figure. Source: UN Comtrade Database/ WealthPk Reseach The construction of the Gwadar Port presents various prospects for both domestic and international companies, such as the low cost of labour in Pakistan, which draws foreign investors. Second, Gwadar is located near the Indian Ocean, which facilitates the building of shipping factories. Third, its onshore location would boost the ease with which enterprises might process food and collect minerals. In addition, the possibility of a tax break would entice investors, manufacturers, and exporters to the country. The Dubai Port Authority manages Port Jebel Ali and Port Rashid, as well as 78 maritime and inland ports spread over six continents. Jebel Ali Port is one of the largest ports in the Persian Gulf, with unique equipment that connects to Dubai International Airport. Pakistan's port authorities will use lessons from these well-established ports and improve Gwadar's global connection. Pakistan must formalize a marine agreement with the GCC ports. Furthermore, it necessitates a multilateral engagement with the GCC on a variety of topics. In addition, Islamabad and Beijing require a platform with Gulf countries. Pakistan must also take an active role in China's GCC strategic discussion, as its relations with the Gulf states are bilateral. The same may be said for the African Union, since Gwadar would serve as the hub for commerce among China, Pakistan, and Central Asian nations.