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 28–29 April 2026 in Islamabad. This landmark event, supported by the EU and organised with the support of European Union 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 as an essential tool for 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.
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 serving as a platform for 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.
Registration
Please note that availability is limited; registration will only be finalised upon email confirmation. Only confirmed registrants will be considered as invited participants.
For inquiries: DELEGATION-PAKISTAN-EU-PK-BUSINESS-FORUM
eeas [dot] europa [dot] eu (DELEGATION-PAKISTAN-EU-PK-BUSINESS-FORUM[at]eeas[dot]europa[dot]eu)
Date & venue
The event will take place on 28–29 April 2026, at the Serena Hotel, Islamabad-Pakistan.
Indicative programme
Day 1: Unlocking opportunities and building connections
- 09:30 – 11:00Registration and arrival
Coffee, networking and seating
- 11:30 – 11:35Setting the Course: A new era for EU–Pakistan economic partnership
Welcome and keynote addresses
- 11:35 – 12:05Pakistan Rising: Incentives, reforms and the next investment frontier
Overview of investment incentives, reforms and potential for future investments
- 12:05 – 12:30‘One voice, One market’: Inaugurating the EU–Pakistan Business Network
Launch of the EU–Pakistan Business Network
- 12:30 - 14:00Networking lunch and booth visits
- 14:00 – 14:10Lightning talk
Spark Session: Big ideas that move markets
- 14:10 – 15:10Plenary Session 1: Global Gateway
Enhancing EU–Pakistan economic ties and investment
- 15:10 – 15:45Coffee break
- 15:45 - 17:00Break out sessions (parallel)
- Breakout Session 1: Agri-business
Building sustainable EU–Pakistan food and agri value chains - Breakout Session 2: Digital leap
Transforming nations through technology and innovation (including fintech)
- Breakout Session 1: Agri-business
- 17:00 – 17:20Day 1 Compass: Navigating towards tomorrow’s opportunities
Wrap-up of Day 1
- 17:20 – 18:30Tea and coffee
Celebrating EU–Pakistan partnerships and networking over light refreshments
Day 2: Strategic collaborations for sustainable growth
- 09:30 – 10:00Arrival and networking coffee
- 10:00 – 11:00Plenary Session 2: Innovate. Invest. Inspire
The power of private sector participation in driving EU–Pakistan partnerships; opportunities in key sectors
- 11:00 – 12:15Breakout sessions (parallel)
- Breakout Session 3: Business-to-government (B2G) dialogue by invitation only
Policy Roundtable: A joint roadmap for EU–Pakistan economic synergies - Breakout Session 4: Green logistics and connectivity
Powering the future of EU–Pakistan connectivity - Breakout Session 5: Mining
Responsible resource partnerships for Europe and Pakistan
- Breakout Session 3: Business-to-government (B2G) dialogue by invitation only
- 12:15 – 13:45Networking lunch and booth visit
- 13:45 - 14:00Lightning talk
Big idea — short insight on innovation and business opportunity
- 14:00 – 15:00Plenary Session 3: Sustainable textile
Bridging Pakistan’s textile industry with EU partnerships for a circular future
- 15:00 - 15:30Coffee break
- 15:30 – 16:00The Road Ahead: Key insights and next steps for EU–Pakistan trade
Key takeaways from breakouts and plenaries and strategic next steps
- 16:00 – 16:45From dialogue to delivery: Advancing green competitiveness in EU–Pakistan trade
Launch of ‘Better Governance and Business Environment’ project
- 16:45 – 17:00Charting the Future: A shared vision for EU–Pakistan economic growth
Official closing remarks and words of thanks
- 17:00 – 18:00Tea and coffee
Last Connect: Deals, dialogues and new through final networking opportunity
What the Forum will achieve
The EU–Pakistan Business Forum 2026 strives to:
- 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 businesses can leverage the EU Global Gateway strategy, including financing opportunities provided through 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.
Why attend the Forum?
With a rapidly growing market of over 250 million people, strategic geographical access to Central and South Asia, and a dynamic trade relationship with the EU, Pakistan offers immense business opportunities.
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.
EU dedicated instruments and policies
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.
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+ 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.
Pakistani businesses and SMEsSeeking 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
Agri-business, digital innovation & fintech, green logistics, renewable energy & climate solutions, textiles and apparel, responsible mining 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
Activities
The ForumThe Forum will comprise public and private sector-led presentations, panel discussions and sector-specific breakout sessions.
ExhibitionThe Forum will offer the space to allow Pakistani and European companies, as well as partners, to showcase their products and services.
Presentations of investment projectsA selection of high-profile project opportunities will be presented by the Pakistani Board of Investment in a variety of sectors.
B2B and B2G MatchmakingBusiness-to-business and business-to-Government meetings will be hosted between European investors, local entrepreneurs, relevant Government agencies, as well as representatives of the EIB and bilateral EU financial institutions.
Travel and stay
- Visa requirements
Apply well in advance through your local Pakistani embassy or consulate. Some countries of origin are also eligible for E-visas, but they have to be confirmed before arrival to avoid unforeseen complications.
The official portal for VISA application can be found here.
The EU Delegation maintains a direct coordination channel with the Government of Pakistan to help facilitate and expedite visa processing for international participants in case of any issues. If you encounter any problem and require support, please contact us once you have received your confirmation or invitation
- Currency and payments
The local currency is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). You can exchange money at the airport (preferably) or use ATMs at major hotels and banks, such as the Standard Chartered. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and malls, but your bank might require prior approval for withdrawals and access to local credit card machines in some cases.
- Airport and transport
Arrange airport transfers with your hotel (often complimentary) or pre-book through a ride-hailing service for about PKR 3500. Renting a car with a driver is also advisable for ease of movement within the city.
- Accommodation
Islamabad has many hotels that provide excellent accommodation. It's advisable to book your room in advance to ensure availability.
- Digital connectivity
To maintain seamless communication, use local SIM cards from providers such as Jazz, Zong, or Telenor. E-SIMs are also an option, as well as hotel Wi-Fi.
- Networking
Bring plenty of business cards!