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EU envoy calls on commerce minister

EU envoy calls on commerce minister

Express Tribune19-03-2025
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The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Pakistan, Dr Riina Kionka, called on Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan to discuss strengthening bilateral trade ties and upcoming business engagements between the EU and Pakistan.
During the meeting, Kionka invited the commerce minister to deliver closing remarks at the European Union-Pakistan Business Forum (EU-PKBF), scheduled for May 14-15, 2025, in Islamabad.
The forum aims to facilitate high-level dialogue, strengthen business partnerships, and unlock trade and investment opportunities between the EU and Pakistan. It will feature investment presentations, B2B and B2G matchmaking sessions, and focus on key sectors such as agribusiness, IT, machinery, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and green infrastructure.
Another key highlight of the discussion was the launch of the EU-Pakistan Business Network (EUPBN) during the forum. This network, comprising more than 300 EU companies operating in Pakistan, will serve as a unified voice for European businesses, fostering investment and trade relations.
The commerce minister welcomed these initiatives and appreciated the EU's role in supporting economic cooperation. He acknowledged that the growing engagement between Pakistan and the EU will create stronger business ties and new investment opportunities.
The EU is Pakistan's second-largest trading partner and primary export destination, accounting for around €12 billion in bilateral trade in 2024. The EU-Pakistan Business Forum will further deepen the long-standing economic and diplomatic partnership between Pakistan and the European Union.
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