Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with the European Union. He highlighted the country’s goal to expand mutually beneficial trade, especially under the GSP Plus (GSP+) scheme.
The Prime Minister met with EU Ambassador Rajmundas Karoblis in Islamabad, as Pakistan looks forward to enhancing cooperation with the EU across trade, investment, development, security, migration, and climate change. Moreover, Sharif highlighted that the GSP+ arrangement plays a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral trade. He further praised the achievements of the seventh Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue, held in Brussels last November, where Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar headed the Pakistani delegation.
EU Support and Business Initiatives
Ambassador Karoblis thanked Prime Minister Sharif for the warm reception since his arrival. He conveyed greetings from EU leadership and assured Pakistan of continued support. The envoy also noted that the EU will remain actively engaged in expanding trade under GSP+. Additionally, he highlighted the first-ever EU-Pakistan Business Forum scheduled for April. The forum aims to help Pakistani businesses explore European markets and attract new investment opportunities.
Karoblis added that structured dialogue and practical cooperation could provide long-term benefits. He encouraged both sides to continue working together on trade promotion initiatives.
Strengthening Cooperation Across Sectors
Sharif underlined the importance of broader collaboration beyond trade. He suggested that Pakistan and the EU work together in development, climate action, security, and investment. He also pointed out that closer cooperation would open new opportunities for economic growth and stability.
Through constructive dialogue, the prime minister emphasized that this cooperation will enable both countries to address obstacles and identify promising avenues for partnership. In acknowledgment, Ambassador Karoblis reaffirmed that the EU will remain committed to supporting Pakistan in capitalizing on the opportunities offered by GSP+. Both leaders agreed to maintain consistent dialogue aimed at boosting economic collaboration and strategic cooperation.
The meeting concluded with mutual recognition of the importance of collaboration. Leaders from both sides agreed that closer cooperation will benefit Pakistan, the EU, and the wider region.
