KARACHI: The EU and Pakistan launched a high-level business forum in Islamabad on Tuesday, aiming to convert strong trade links into greater investment and industrial collaboration.
The two-day event has drawn about 1,000 policymakers, executives and investors, with more than 600 business-to-business meetings planned. The EU is Pakistan’s largest export market, but officials say investment flows have lagged behind trade.
EU Ambassador Raimundas Karobolis said the bloc wants to deepen and diversify economic ties, shifting focus towards long-term, sustainable investment.Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb pointed to improving macroeconomic stability and reforms aimed at attracting foreign capital, while reaffirming the government’s pro-business stance.
The forum also marked the launch of an EU-Pakistan Business Network representing more than 300 European companies operating in the country, intended to streamline engagement with policymakers and support new entrants.
Sessions focused on sectors including agribusiness, fintech, textiles, logistics and mining, alongside opportunities under the EU’s Global Gateway programme, which targets up to €400 billion in global investment between 2021 and 2027.
Officials expect the forum to lead to new partnerships and financing agreements as both sides seek to expand economic cooperation.
