Editor's Note.

As 2023 begins, amidst the current political and economic turmoil, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the United Arab Emirates for a two-day visit with the aim of boosting bilateral trade and economic relationships. The back-to-back visits by Pakistan's top military and political leaders highlight the importance of addressing the country's financial struggles, as it battles to mend its economic and political schisms. Pakistan is currently in a dire situation, as its foreign reserves have dropped to a low of USD 5.8 billion. The country's economy is facing significant challenges, with inflation expected to remain at high levels between 21-23 percent and its fiscal deficit expanding by over 115 percent in the first four months of the current fiscal year. The bilateral trade between the UAE and Pakistan saw a record-breaking US$10.6 billion in the previous fiscal year, the highest ever recorded in the Middle East and North Africa region. This growth is expected to continue with trade between the two nations anticipated to double in the coming year. The relationship between UAE and Pakistan is a historic one, with Pakistan being the first nation to appoint an ambassador to the UAE before its official formation in 1971. The two countries are currently engaged in negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with the aim of making significant progress by the end of the year.

The UAE is the largest trading partner for Pakistan in the MENA region, and the CEPA is seen as an opportunity for both nations to exponentially increase their bilateral trade. Additionally, the UAE has been a generous supporter of Pakistan, particularly in providing humanitarian aid during flood-affected times, and this support has been acknowledged and appreciated by the Pakistani government. In addition to that, we are witnessing significant developments in global politics. The first month of the year saw several major events that are shaping the course of the world. The Eurozone and Schengen Area expanded with the addition of Croatia, which became the 20th country to enter the Eurozone and the 27th to join the Schengen Area after adopting the euro. In the same month, the President of Vietnam, Nguya>>n Xuan Phuc, resigned from office following government scandals, and New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stepped down...