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Summary Pakistan and the European Union agreed to strengthen trade and investment cooperation during a meeting in Islamabad, with both sides highlighting opportunities in energy, IT and business partnerships
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan and the European Union have agreed to deepen trade relations and expand investment cooperation, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with the bloc.
During a meeting with a high-level European Union delegation comprising senior officials and representatives of leading European companies, both sides underscored the need to promote business-to-business engagement and explore fresh avenues for collaboration.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the European Union remained Pakistan’s largest trading partner and the biggest destination for Pakistani exports, adding that the government was making serious efforts to further enhance trade and investment relations.
The European delegation was led by Petrus Stubs, Director for Asia Pacific at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships. The delegation also included representatives from the European Investment Bank and major European firms, including Adidas, Andritz and Ikea, along with the European Union Ambassador to Pakistan, Raymonds Karoblis.
Welcoming the delegation, the prime minister appreciated their participation in the EU-Pakistan Business Forum and expressed hope the event would serve as a catalyst for greater trade activity and investment flows.
Sharif said Pakistan remained committed to economic stability despite regional challenges, including the recent rise in oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East. He also referred to his recent telephone conversations with European Council President Antonio Costa, during which regional security and ways to further strengthen Pakistan-EU relations were discussed.
The visiting delegation praised Pakistan’s support in hosting the EU-Pakistan Business Forum and acknowledged the prime minister’s leadership in promoting peace efforts in the region.
European business representatives shared positive investment experiences in Pakistan and pointed to strong potential for enhanced cooperation in sectors including energy, communications and information technology.
Senior Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and other cabinet members, also attended the meeting.
The development is being viewed as a positive signal for Pakistan’s economic diplomacy, particularly as the government seeks to attract foreign investment and expand export opportunities.
