Islamabad: European Union Ambassador Dr. Riina Kionka stated on Tuesday that European companies are increasingly recognizing Pakistan as a promising business destination, actively exploring new avenues for economic partnership.
This declaration precedes the upcoming Pakistan Business Forum, scheduled for May 14-15 in Islamabad. This pivotal event, supported by the EU, its member states, and the Government of Pakistan, aims to facilitate dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and unlock business opportunities within both regions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the forum.
EU Ambassador Dr. Riina Kionka emphasized that European companies are acknowledging Pakistan’s potential as a significant business hub. She highlighted that the forum will serve as a crucial platform to enhance collaboration between European and Pakistani businesses, deepen bilateral trade, and explore fresh avenues for economic cooperation.
The EU envoy also underscored that this forum presents a unique opportunity for Pakistan to leverage the benefits of the Global Gateway initiative.
The EU embassy released a statement announcing the landmark Pakistan Business Forum in May.
The EU is recognized as the world’s largest single market and the primary destination for Pakistani exports. It also stands as the world’s largest foreign investor, accounting for 42 percent of global outward foreign direct investment.
With a rapidly expanding market of over 240 million people, competitive labor costs, strategic geographical access to Central and South Asia, and preferential trade access to the EU, Pakistan offers substantial business opportunities.
To bolster economic cooperation between the EU and Pakistan, the EU-Pakistan Business Forum will convene high-level policymakers, including the prime minister, minister of finance, and minister of commerce, alongside business leaders and CEOs from Pakistan and Europe, financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank, investors, and other key stakeholders.
During the two-day forum, Pakistan’s potential, innovation, and best practices in key sectors, including agribusiness, energy and renewables, green logistics, pharmaceuticals, IT, and textiles, will be showcased.
The forum will foster dialogue between the government and the private sector to improve the regulatory framework and facilitate trade while promoting sustainable business practices. The event will also highlight the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, its largest investment program outside the EU, which aims to mobilize €300 billion in investments worldwide by 2027.
In addition to dedicated business-to-business and business-to-government meetings, engaging discussions, and specialized exhibitions, the forum will also mark the launch of the EU-Pakistan Business Network, which will unite the 300-plus European companies operating in Pakistan.
