Pakistan, EU reiterate resolve to deepen trade, investment ties

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Pakistan and European Union have reaffirmed the commitment to deepen trade and investment linkages through closer liaison and regular engagement.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between European Union’s Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Riina Kionka and Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh in Islamabad on Wednesday.

They discussed further strengthening the EU-Pak Economic and Business Relations, and establishment of the EU-Pak Business Network, which engages over 400 EU companies operating across various sectors in Pakistan.

The EU delegation expressed interest in scaling up this platform, and introduced the EU’s 25 Champion Companies initiative, aimed at supporting 25 high-potential EU enterprises in Pakistan that align with sustainable development, innovation, and inclusivity.

The Minister appreciated the EU’s longstanding support to Pakistan’s economic development.

He highlighted the Government’s resolve to bring macroeconomic stability and improve major economic indicators like fiscal balance, stock exchange performance and investment climate.

He emphasized that these reforms are directly contributing to an improved business climate in Pakistan and urged EU side to avail investment opportunities in Special Economic Zones in Pakistan.

The Minister welcomed the EU Green Deal and expressed strong interest in aligning Pakistan’s export sectors with EU Green Zero targets.

The EU Ambassador praised Pakistan’s efforts and stressed that regulatory efficiency is a key determinant in EU investment decisions.

She stressed that Pakistan’s alignment with green standards will make its exports more accessible to EU markets.