Islamabad (TDI): Islamabad is set to host the first high-level EU–Pakistan Business Forum on April 28–29, marking a shift in relations from trade-focused engagement to deeper investment and industrial collaboration.
The two-day event, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will bring together policymakers, business leaders, investors, and financial institutions from both sides at what officials describe as a “pivotal moment” for bilateral economic ties.
The European Union is already Pakistan’s largest export destination and a major source of foreign direct investment. However, both sides are now seeking to move beyond traditional trade links toward stronger investment flows, technology partnerships, and sustainable industrial growth.
Central to the forum’s agenda is the EU’s €400 billion Global Gateway initiative, which aims to boost global connectivity and sustainable development.
Excellent meeting with @ShazaFK 🇵🇰 Minister of IT and Telecommunications, about the opportunities for 🇪🇺🇵🇰 collaboration in 🇵🇰’s thriving ICT sector.
Looking forward to hearing the Minister as a speaker at the 🇪🇺🇵🇰 Business Forum on 28–29 April.
https://t.co/fb9VSNgh2h pic.twitter.com/UVnTVsxy3i— EUPakistan (@EUPakistan) April 15, 2026
Pakistan is expected to position itself as an attractive destination for European investors under this framework, particularly as global supply chains continue to evolve.
The forum will focus on key sectors with high growth potential, including agri-business, digital innovation and fintech, green logistics, textiles and apparel, and responsible mining. These areas align closely with Pakistan’s economic reform agenda and the EU’s strategic investment priorities.
More than 300 European companies are already operating in Pakistan, contributing to employment, innovation, and integration into global value chains. The upcoming forum aims to expand this footprint by attracting new entrants and facilitating concrete business deals.
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A major highlight of the event will be over 600 scheduled business-to-business (B2B) meetings, alongside dedicated engagements between investors and European financial institutions. These sessions are designed to move beyond policy dialogue and deliver tangible investment outcomes.
The forum will also see the launch of the EU–Pakistan Business Network, intended to strengthen coordination among European firms operating in Pakistan and improve the overall investment climate through closer engagement with authorities.
Officials say the initiative reflects an effort to position Pakistan as a competitive hub for regional and global investment, leveraging its strategic location and preferential access to European markets under existing trade arrangements.
