Pakistan Business Council Dubai hails Dubai supports to Pak entrepreneurs

Pakistan Business Council (PBC) Dubai said Dubai offers "tremendous opportunities" for Pakistani entrepreneurs across sectors and unveiled a range of measures to position Pakistani businesses for growth in the UAE market. Shabbir Merchant, Chairman of PBC-Dubai, announced the launch of a dedicated PBC mobile application and outlined plans for sector-specific B2B matchmaking, trade delegations and expanded collaboration with government entities, chambers of commerce and business councils in both countries.

"PBC-Dubai serves as an important bridge between the Pakistani business community and the UAE’s dynamic and highly competitive business environment," Merchant said. "Our role goes beyond networking; we aim to facilitate meaningful business connections, promote trade and investment opportunities, and provide our members with a platform to learn, collaborate and grow."

Merchant described the council’s priorities in an interview, stressing a shift from traditional networking to a practical, commercially focused support platform. He said PBC-Dubai will help members entering the UAE for the first time as well as established firms by facilitating introductions to stakeholders, sharing market knowledge, and delivering seminars and expert sessions on taxation, corporate regulations, finance, technology and business development.

Key initiatives Merchant highlighted include a structured UAE–Pakistan Business and Investment Facilitation Platform to connect investors, exporters, importers, manufacturers and service providers, and a push for sector-specific activity. "Pakistan has strong capabilities in sectors such as food and agriculture, textiles, construction materials, technology, pharmaceuticals and professional services, while the UAE offers an exceptional gateway to regional and global markets," he said.

Practical tools and outreach

• PBC mobile app: Merchant described the PBC Application as "a smart and comprehensive platform" that provides access to a member directory, business groups, marketplace listings, wishlist and RFQs, events registration, chat and broadcast features, and analytics.
• Sector-focused programmes: The council plans more business delegations, B2B matchmaking sessions, trade and investment forums and knowledge-sharing programmes aimed at targeted industries.
• Entrepreneur empowerment: PBC-Dubai intends to expand mentorship and exposure for younger entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs, offering cross-border business connections and practical support.
• Exhibition participation: Merchant emphasised encouraging members to use Dubai’s trade exhibitions as launchpads to meet buyers, find distributors and explore GCC and global markets.

Merchant said the mobile app will centralise member services and make the PBC community more accessible: "The app provides convenient access to the member directory and business groups, enabling members to connect with businesses and professionals across diverse industries." Features include the ability to showcase products, post requirements, discover events, manage profiles and receive assistance through contact support.

Looking ahead, the council aims to make PBC-Dubai "more digitally connected, commercially focused and internationally engaged." Planned steps include deeper collaboration with chambers and business councils in Pakistan and the UAE, expanding sector-specific market-access programmes, and strengthening support systems that link established businesses with emerging entrepreneurs. Merchant said these moves are intended to help Pakistani businesses build "stronger, more resilient and sustainable operations in the UAE" and to leverage Dubai as a launchpad to expand across the GCC and beyond.