Pakistan, Netherlands Discuss Trade and Investment Expansion
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, and the Netherlands’ Ambassador to Pakistan, Henny Fokel de Vries, held discussions on strengthening trade, investment, and economic collaboration between the two countries, particularly in the fields of agriculture, technology, fisheries, and textiles.
The minister underscored the importance of expanding trade beyond the GSP+ framework by encouraging investment in agriculture and industrial innovation.
The Ambassador highlighted the Netherlands’ expertise in agricultural technology and water management, presenting opportunities for cooperation.Pakistan attracts Chinese investments in Textile
The EU-Pakistan Business Forum was recognized as a vital platform for fostering trade growth. Pakistan’s exports to the Netherlands reached $1.48 billion in 2023-24, with textiles, rice, and alcohol being the primary export commodities.
Agriculture and fisheries remained central to the discussions, with Pakistan seeking Dutch assistance in precision farming, AI-driven solutions, and the modernization of Karachi’s fish harbor to align with EU export regulations. An EU fisheries audit is scheduled for next month, prompting Pakistan to request Dutch support in meeting compliance standards.
The minister also advocated for investments in Pakistan’s textile sector, particularly in modernizing outdated machinery.
The Ambassador proposed exploring funding opportunities through the Dutch FMO to facilitate industrial advancements.
Pakistan further requested a reassessment of the Netherlands’ decision to discontinue technical support programs such as PUM and CBI, emphasizing their role in enhancing trade potential.
The meeting concluded with an invitation for the Dutch Foreign Trade Minister to visit Pakistan alongside investors from the IT, agriculture, and renewable energy sectors. Ambassador de Vries reaffirmed the Netherlands’ dedication to strengthening economic ties with Pakistan.
