ISLAMABAD, March 26: The European Union is set to deepen its economic ties with Pakistan, as EU Ambassador Dr. Riina Kionka highlighted that European companies are increasingly recognizing Pakistan as a potential business destination.
The ambassador’s comments come ahead of the upcoming Business Forum, scheduled for May 14-15 in Islamabad.
This landmark event, supported by the EU, its member states, and the Government of Pakistan, aims to foster dialogue, empower partnerships, and unlock new business opportunities in both regions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to inaugurate the forum.
Dr. Kionka emphasized that European companies are acknowledging Pakistan’s growing potential, and the forum provides an important platform to strengthen collaboration between European and Pakistani businesses.
The event will focus on deepening bilateral trade ties and exploring new economic partnerships.
According to a statement from the EU embassy, the EU is the largest single market in the world and serves as the largest destination for Pakistani exports.
EU Largest Foreign Investors
Furthermore, the EU is the world’s largest foreign investor, representing 42% of outward foreign direct investment globally.
Read More: Pakistan Exports to Europe Surge to $3.8B in FY2024-25
With a rapidly expanding market of over 240 million people, competitive labor costs, strategic access to Central and South Asia, and preferential trade access to the EU, Pakistan presents significant business opportunities.
To bolster economic cooperation between the EU and Pakistan, the EU-Pakistan Business Forum will bring together high-level policymakers, including the Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Commerce.
Along with business leaders and CEOs from both Pakistan and Europe, financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank, investors, and other key stakeholders.
Over the two days of the forum, Pakistan’s potential, innovations, and best practices in key sectors, including agribusiness, energy and renewables, green logistics, pharmaceuticals, IT, and textiles, will be showcased.
The forum aims to encourage dialogue between the government and the private sector to enhance the regulatory framework and facilitate trade, while also promoting sustainable business practices.
Also Read: 300 EU Firms Seek Further Investment Opportunities in Pakistan
Additionally, the EU will present its Global Gateway strategy, the largest investment program outside the EU, which aims to leverage €300 billion of investments globally by 2027.
In addition to business-to-business and business-to-government meetings, engaging discussions, and dedicated exhibitions, the forum will also mark the launch of the EU-Pakistan Business Network, which will connect over 300 European companies currently active in Pakistan.
