News
May 01, 2026
EU-Pakistan Forum Signals Stronger Trade
By Mehtab Haider
Islamabad: The first high-level EU-Pakistan Business Forum concluded on Wednesday in Islamabad, marking a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between the European Union, the world’s largest single market, and Pakistan.
A key outcome of the forum was the launch of the EU-Pakistan Business Network, which brings together more than 300 European companies operating in Pakistan under a single platform. The network is intended to serve as a unified voice for EU businesses, facilitate policy dialogue and support new entrants exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan.
The forum also featured the announcement and launch of several flagship initiatives under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, its largest external investment program, which aims to mobilize 400 billion euros in de-risked investments between 2021 and 2027.
These included the Team Europe ‘Better Governance and Business Environment’ program, valued at 24.1 million euros, jointly launched by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Peteris Ustubs, director for Asia-Pacific at the European Commission. The project aims to enhance the competitiveness of Pakistan’s export-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises through regulatory reforms, sustainability support and improved access to finance.
Another key development was the inauguration of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centre of Excellence in Peshawar, designed to equip Pakistan’s workforce with future-ready skills in information technology and artificial intelligence, while strengthening industry linkages.
A further highlight was the signing of 160 million euros in loan agreements between the European Investment Bank and the government of Pakistan. The forum also facilitated more than 600 business-to-business meetings, reflecting strong interest from both European and Pakistani companies in partnerships, joint ventures and investment opportunities across sectors including agribusiness, digital innovation and fintech, green logistics, renewable energy, textiles and responsible mining. - The News
Courtesy The News
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