Islamabad, March 24, 2025: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan met with Dutch Ambassador to Pakistan, Henny Fokel de Vries, to explore opportunities for expanding trade, investment, and economic collaboration between the two countries Pakistan and Netherlands.
Discussions centered on key sectors such as agriculture, technology, fisheries, and textiles, aiming to boost economic partnerships.
The minister highlighted the importance of broadening trade relations beyond the GSP+ framework by attracting investment in agriculture and fostering industrial innovation.
He stressed that diversifying economic ties would enhance long-term cooperation between Pakistan and Netherlands.
Ambassador de Vries underscored Dutch expertise in agricultural technology and water management, presenting avenues for potential collaboration.
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The Netherlands, known for its advanced agricultural techniques, could assist Pakistan in modernizing its farming sector and improving efficiency in resource management.
Trade figures between Pakistan and the Netherlands showed promising growth, with Pakistan’s exports reaching $1.48 billion in 2023-24.
Key exports included textiles, rice, and alcoholic beverages, demonstrating a steady increase in trade volume.
Agriculture and fisheries emerged as crucial areas of discussion, with Pakistan seeking Dutch expertise in precision farming and AI-driven agricultural solutions.
Additionally, Karachi’s fish harbor was highlighted as an essential component in meeting EU export standards.
With an EU fisheries audit scheduled next month, Pakistan requested Dutch assistance in ensuring compliance with European regulations.
The commerce minister also called for investment in Pakistan’s textile industry, particularly in upgrading outdated machinery to enhance production capacity.
Ambassador de Vries suggested exploring funding options through the Dutch Development Bank (FMO) to support modernization efforts in the textile sector.
Pakistan also urged the Netherlands to reconsider its decision to discontinue technical assistance programs such as PUM and CBI, emphasizing their vital role in strengthening trade and industrial capacity.
Concluding the meeting, the minister invited the Dutch Foreign Trade Minister to visit Pakistan with a delegation of investors in IT, agriculture, and renewable energy.
Ambassador de Vries reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to reinforcing economic ties and fostering long-term trade and investment partnerships with Pakistan.
