Bilal Azhar Leads High-Level Delegation to UAE for Governance and Reform Exchange

Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani discusses

fiscal reforms, digitalization, and

governance with UAE counterpart

Special Correspondent

Abu Dhabi: A high-level Government of Pakistan delegation, led by Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, is currently visiting the United Arab Emirates under the UAE Government’s Experience Exchange Programme (EEP). The visit aims to strengthen Pakistan’s institutional reforms, improve service delivery, and modernize public sector governance.

The delegation was warmly received by H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah, UAE Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange. Lootah reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development goals and emphasized the potential for impactful bilateral cooperation.

Minister Kayani thanked the UAE for facilitating knowledge-sharing, especially in digital governance and tax modernization. He highlighted the vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, which prioritizes digitization, e-commerce, and macroeconomic stability.

The Pakistani delegation held key meetings with top UAE officials including H.E. Maryam Al Hammadi, H.E. Hanan Ahli, Dr. Radhiya Al Hashimi, and Mr. Haitham Al Rais, discussing governance strategies, competitiveness indicators, and future-ready policymaking.

Bilateral Talks with UAE Finance Minister

As part of the visit, Minister Kayani held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs. The leaders discussed fiscal management, budgeting, tax reforms, and the importance of structured collaboration to improve governance frameworks.

Minister Kayani praised the UAE’s continued financial support to Pakistan and shared insights into Pakistan’s reform agenda, highlighting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership in driving economic stability and digital transformation.

The visit builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on June 16, 2025, between Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives and the UAE Ministry of Cabinet Affairs. The MoU provides a formal framework to enhance institutional capacity and governance excellence.

Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi and Member National Assembly Ali Zahid are also part of the eight-member Pakistani delegation.