LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday met Ambassador of the Netherlands Robert-Jan Siegert for a discussion on how to promote trade, investment, agriculture, water management, climate change, technological collaboration and public linkages.
Welcoming the ambassador on his recent appointment, she expressed best wishes and reaffirmed Punjab’s commitment to advancing cooperation with the Netherlands. Both sides agreed to enhance Dutch support in higher education, technical training, water management, education and research. Maryam lauded the presence of Dutch companies in Pakistan, terming it a strong reflection of investors growing confidence in Pakistan’s stable economic and fiscal policies. She also appreciated global reputation of Dutch expertise in water governance and flood management.
Expressing a desire to resume direct air connectivity, she said the ambassador’s introductory visit symbolized bilateral relations moving forward in a positive direction. She highlighted that Pakistan and the Netherlands shared development-oriented objectives, adding that the Netherlands remained Pakistan’s second-largest European trading partner. She noted that the Punjab government offered a highly conducive environment for investors. She added that Dutch advancements in agriculture and food technology aligned closely with Punjab’s development goals and agricultural strategy. She underscored that partnership with the Netherlands could be transformative, especially in improving potato yields. She also praised Dutch “Room for the River” initiative as a model for the world, expressing Punjab’s interest in formulating a comprehensive cooperation in this area as well. She noted that Dutch collaboration could significantly benefit major provincial initiatives such as ‘Suthra’ Punjab, Smart Irrigation and Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
The chief minister highlighted Punjab’s desire to strengthen links with Dutch universities to promote joint research programmes. She said participating Dutch business delegations at Pakistan’s major trade fairs TEXPO and FoodAg were encouraging signs of growing economic engagement. She underscored that strengthening ties with Netherlands would further boost trade, investment and tourism. She said Punjab sought a broad and robust economic partnership with the Netherlands, adding that the country stood as a global example in innovation, agricultural technology and sustainable development.
