60+ Years of partnership: a new chapter begins

Pakistan and the European Union, celebrating over 60 years of strong diplomatic and economic ties, are hosting the first High Level European Union-Pakistan Business Forum (EU-PKBF) on 14 – 15 May 2025 in Islamabad. This landmark event, supported by the EU, its Member States, and the Government of Pakistan, aims to facilitate high level dialogue, empower partnerships and unlock opportunities for businesses in both regions. The event will be opened by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

Unlocking opportunities for growth

Building on Pakistan’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus preferential access to the EU market and its strategic role as a hub for global expansion, the event offers unique opportunities for high-level networking, investment showcases, and direct engagement with political leaders, private sector stakeholders, and European financial institutions.

Beyond GSP Plus, the forum will present the EU Global Gateway strategy and the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) as essential tools available to investors. Additionally, it provides a valuable platform to discuss the latest policy developments in both economies and gain insights into investment prospects through dialogue with government representatives, investors, and financial institutions.

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Building bridges: launch of the EU-Pakistan Business Network

The event will also mark the formal launch of the EU-Pakistan Business Network: a network of EU companies active in Pakistan. Besides being a platform of exchange between existing and potential EU companies active in Pakistan, the network is designed to further strengthen EU-Pakistan business cooperation, jointly advocate with authorities at the highest level for an improved business and investment climate, and work to promote enhanced trade and investment between the EU and Pakistan. 

• Create opportunities for collaboration between European and Pakistani companies
• Highlight Pakistan’s investment potential in priority sectors
• Provide a structured environment for stakeholders to network, share insights, and exchange expertise on industry best practices
• Bring together relevant government and private sector representatives to present and discuss investment projects as well as pressing regulatory and market challenges
• Offer EU investors the opportunity to discuss their investment plans with Government partners, the EIB and bilateral financial institutions, and explore if these could be supported by the EU Global Gateway and EFSD+ instruments
• Emphasise the importance of sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility in fostering economic resilience

The event will bring together key EU and Pakistan businesses, economic and policy leaders, institutions and other key stakeholders. It is poised to be the key economic and business event of the year for Pakistan.

The forum will highlight how to take advantage of the EU Global Gateway and EFSD+ instrument, as tools to de-risk EU investments in Pakistan through the involvement of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the bilateral financial institutions. It will offer the opportunity to meet relevant officers, discuss potential investment projects, and provide contacts for follow-up discussions. 

European Union 2025

The EU, Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner and first export destination, accounted for 15.3% of Pakistan’s total trade in 2023, with bilateral trade reaching €11.87 billion.

Attending the forum provides direct access to policymakers, industry leaders, and enterprises, creating pathways for collaboration that will shape the future of EU-Pakistan trade.

Opportunity Sectors

Agribusiness:

Contributing 24% to GDP, Pakistan's agricultural exports hit EUR 8 billion in 2023-2024, with significant room for further growth in international markets. There is potential for mechanization, productivity improvements, and sustainability.

IT and Machinery:

Highlighting opportunities for sector-specific growth and collaboration, regulatory framework alignment, digital infrastructure and skill development.

Representing 23.9% of EU exports to Pakistan, this sector offers opportunities for collaboration in technology, manufacturing, and logistics.

Textile Clothing and Circularity:

Pakistan's textile exports dominate EU trade, driven by growing demand for sustainable and ethically produced goods. Businesses can tap into new trends and markets in this sector.

Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals:

Accounting for 19.8% of EU exports to Pakistan, this sector offers potential in healthcare, agriculture, and chemical-dependent industries.

Green Logistics and Infrastructure:

Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have significant opportunities for collaboration in the energy, carbon markets and renewable sectors, driven by Pakistan's abundant natural resources and the EU's commitment to sustainable development.  

EU dedicated instruments and policies

Global Gateway strategy

The European Commission and the EU High Representative have set out the Global Gateway, a new European strategy to boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education and research systems with partner countries across the world.

The GSP+ advantage

GSP+ provides tariff-free access to the EU, helping Pakistan’s exports grow by 108% since 2014. Diversifying beyond textiles offers further opportunities for partnership in other sectors.

EFSD+ (European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus)

EFSD+ enables access to blended financing, including grants and guarantees, for sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, SME growth, and export diversification.

Networking

B2G (Business-to-Government):

Engage directly with policymakers for policy advocacy, explore PPPs, gain regulatory insights, and network with government leaders.

Matchmaking:

The EU-Pakistan Business Forum is a structured and interactive platform designed to foster direct collaboration between European and Pakistani businesses, investors, and government stakeholders.

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Pakistani Businesses and SMEs:

Seeking EU market access, certifications, and matchmaking opportunities.

Pakistani Government Officials:

Policymakers addressing trade, finance, and collaboration.

 EU Businesses & Investors:

Exploring opportunities in Pakistan with regulatory clarity.

EU Institutions:

Trade, Global Gateway, and EIB representatives driving partnerships.

Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) Trade Attachés & Embassies:

Facilitating diverse EU representation and engagement, including at the Ambassadorial level.

Regional EU Companies:

Sharing perspectives from GCC and South Asia operations.

Sector Leaders:

IT, renewable energy, agribusiness, textiles, and pharmaceuticals experts amongst others.

Legal Experts:

Advising on investment frameworks and regulatory challenges.

Private Sector and Chamber of Industries and Commerce Networks:

Facilitating B2B and B2G matchmaking opportunities

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European Union 2025

1. Visa Requirements:

Ensure you have the appropriate business visa for Pakistan. Apply well in advance through the local Pakistani embassy or consulate.

2. Airport and Transport: Islamabad International Airport is modern and well-connected. Arrange airport transfers with your hotel or pre-book a taxi service like Careem. Renting a car with a driver is also advisable for ease of movement within the city, such as from firms like Avis.

3. Accommodation: Islamabad has many hotels that provide excellent accommodation, like the Marriott and Serena amongst others.

4. Currency and Payments: The local currency is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Exchange money at the airport or use ATMs at major hotels and banks. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and malls.

5. Networking: Bring plenty of business cards!

6. Digital Connectivity: Use local SIM cards (e.g., Jazz, Telenor) or hotel Wi-Fi for seamless communication.

European Union 2025