Latest news with #EU-Pakistan
Business Recorder
18-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
EU, Pakistan reaffirm commitment to implement ‘Strategic Engagement Plan'
ISLAMABAD: The European Union (EU) and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) signed in 2019. Both sides aim at further deepening cooperation in all areas covered under the SEP. The two sides also reiterated their resolve to continue close engagement under the GSP+ framework. Pakistan signs €20mn grant deal with EU to boost governance, business environment They acknowledged the meaningful cooperation on various aspects of migration, aiming at holding the third Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Dialogue later in 2025. The 10th Political Dialogue between the EU and Pakistan took place on 17 July in Brussels. The dialogue covered key issues of the EU-Pakistan bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues, including multilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to deepen dialogue and discussions on security-related issues. Besides bilateral cooperation, both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues. The EU and Pakistan acknowledged the importance of multifaceted cooperation on security matters, including counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. They condemned all forms of terrorism. Both sides agreed on the need for efforts based on dialogue and diplomacy in order to solve contentious issues and underscored the importance of upholding international law and the sanctity of international agreements/treaties. The parties exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine as well as Jammu and Kashmir. Both sides stressed the need to find peaceful solutions to conflicts, in full respect of the principles of international law and the UN Charter. They agreed on the urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Both sides called for the resumption of a ceasefire, and expressed support for initiatives that contribute to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in Palestine in accordance with the two-state solution. The two sides reaffirmed their aspiration to convene the 7th Strategic Dialogue in 2025, underscoring its importance in strengthening Pakistan-EU cooperation. They agreed to hold the next Political Dialogue meeting in 2026 in Islamabad. The EU delegation was headed by Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service and the Pakistani delegation by Amna Baloch, foreign secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, EU to deepen ties
The European Union (EU) and Pakistan on Thursday held the 10th Political Dialogue in Brussels covering key issues regarding EU-Pakistan bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues, including multilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to deepen dialogue and discussions on security-related issues. The EU and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) signed in 2019. Both sides aim to further deepen cooperation in all areas covered under the SEP. The two sides reiterated their resolve to continue close engagement under the GSP+ framework, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs news release said. They acknowledged the meaningful cooperation on various aspects of migration, aiming to hold the third Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Dialogue later in 2025. Besides bilateral cooperation, both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues. The EU and Pakistan acknowledged the importance of multifaceted cooperation on security matters, including counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. They condemned all forms of terrorism. Both sides agreed on the need for efforts based on dialogue and diplomacy in order to solve contentious issues and underscored the importance of upholding international law and the sanctity of international agreements/treaties.
Business Recorder
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
EU-Pakistan Forum put on hold
ISLAMABAD: The much-talked about first-ever high-level EU-Pakistan Forum scheduled for May-14-15, 2025 in Islamabad has been put off due to conflict escalation between India and Pakistan. This was officially confirmed by the delegation of European Union to Pakistan which had made all arrangements in close collaboration with Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). This landmark forum was aimed to foster new partnerships, and unlock the vast potential for trade and investment between the European Union and Pakistan. First-ever 'EU-Pak Business Forum' to be held on May 14th Both sides were set to highlight EU trade and investment policy instruments, ie, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) and the Global Gateway strategy which is the largest EU investment programme outside of the EU, leveraging up to EUR 300 billion of investments from 2021-2027 worldwide. The SIFC hadprepared a strategy for the EU-Pakistan high-level business forum aimed at bringing improvements in economic relations between Islamabad and European capitals, well-informed sources told Business Recorder. A number of meetings were held at the Prime Minister Officer to discuss the proposed agenda of EU-Pakistan business forum and its potential impact on Pakistan's trade and investment ties with the European Union and formulation of a Task Force to finalize recommendations. The first major topic of discussion was the Global Gateway Initiative and EFSD+. The participants delved into the possibilities of EU investment in infrastructure projects in Pakistan. These initiatives would bring significant funding and expertise, potentially transforming entire sectors of Pakistan's economy. According to EU's ambassador to Pakistan, a key objective of the Forum was to facilitate high level discussions involving all key stakeholders in Pakistan's private sector-led growth. A small group discussion (not open to all) was to held with leading business representatives (about 15) mainly from EU industries keen to boost investment and trade in Pakistan. A closed door interaction wherein the participants were to highlight problems that their companies face in Pakistan and abroad to reinvest in Pakistan. The government representatives tasked to attend the forum include Federal Minister, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan, Secretary SIFC, Secretary Commerce. Governor/Deputy Governor State Bank of Pakistan and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). The session was meant to engage in a strategic dialogue highlighting Government's position to encourage European investment in Pakistan to form business partnerships and foster trade by addressing difficulties arising due to ambiguities in custom procedure, banking operations, corporate tax issues and/or trade barriers. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
23-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
EU-Pakistan Business Network to launch in May
ISLAMABAD: The first high-level EU-Pakistan Business Forum (EU-PKBF), designed to strengthen economic and business ties and unlock investment and trade will be held in May, the EU press office said on Wednesday, adding that the platform would also mark the official launch of the EU-Pakistan Business Network. Pakistan has become the largest beneficiary of the EU's GSP+ trade scheme in recent years, with its businesses increasing their exports to the EU market by 108 percent since the launch of the trade scheme in 2014. In October 2023, the EU unanimously voted to extend GSP+ status until 2027 for developing countries, including Pakistan. 'The Forum will also mark the official launch of the EU-Pakistan Business Network, a dynamic initiative aimed at bringing together all EU businesses active in Pakistan allowing to channel their collective voice,' the EU said, saying the EU-PKBF would be held from May 14-15. The forum will include business-to-government sessions with high-level government officials and offer business-to-business opportunities. 'Finally, in view of Pakistan benefiting from the EU's Global Gateway offer: the EU's largest investment program outside of the EU that aims to leverage 300 billion EUR of investment until 2027, the Forum will facilitate Business-2-Financial Institutions matchmaking and unveil new projects and investment opportunities.' The business forum will see participation from high-level policymakers such as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the ministers of finance and commerce as well as EU and Pakistani business leaders and investors, who will get a 'common space to exchange on opportunities and challenges of doing business in Pakistan, including in the sectors of textiles and apparel, agriculture and agri-business, pharmaceuticals and health care equipment, and renewable energy/connectivity.'
