Islamabad (TDI): Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Dutch Ambassador to Pakistan Henny Fokel de Vries on Monday discussed enhancing trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries, focusing on agriculture, technology, fisheries, and textiles.
The minister emphasized to diversify trade beyond GSP+ by exploring investment in agriculture and industrial innovation.
Ambassador Henny Fokel de Vries underlined Dutch expertise in agricultural technology and water management, offering potential cooperation.
The EU-Pakistan Business Forum was discussed as a major platform to enhance trade.
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Pakistan’s exports to the Netherlands reached to $1.48 billion in 2023-24, with textiles, rice, and alcohol as top items.
Agriculture and Fisheries were central to the meeting, with Pakistan seeking Dutch assistance in precision farming, AI-based solutions, and Karachi’s fish harbor to meet EU export standards in fisheries.
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An EU fisheries audit is scheduled in April, and Islamabad urged Dutch help in ensuring compliance.
The minister also urged for investment in Pakistan’s textile sector, stressing the modernization of outdated machinery.
The envoy suggested exploring Dutch FMO funding for industry upgrades.
Islamabad requested a review of the Netherlands’ decision to discontinue technical programs such as PUM and CBI, emphasizing their role in strengthening trade potential.
The meeting concluded with an invitation to the Dutch foreign trade Minister to visit Pakistan with investors in IT, agriculture, and renewable energy.
