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.
Watch the video statement of EU Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Riina Kionka
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.
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.
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.europa.eu
Day 1: Unlocking opportunities and building connections
- 08.30 - 09.30Registration & networking
- Welcome refreshments and networking for delegates, businesses, and officials
- 09.30 - 10.15Opening ceremony
- Opening remarks by Dr. Riina Kionka, the European Union Ambassador to Pakistan
- Address on Global Gateway from Deputy Director General International Partnerships of the European Commission Myriam Ferran
- Keynote address by his excellency, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif
- 10.15 - 10.45Overview of Pakistan's incentives for economic growth
- Presentation by Minister of Finance, Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb, highlighting initiatives and incentives to attract investment and stimulate economic growth
- 10.45 - 11.45Launch of the EU-PK Business Network
- Official launch, with remarks by the EU Ambassador, Dr Riina Kionka
- Address from EBO General Secretary - Geraldine Smeets
- Presentation by the President of the EU-PK Business Network
- 11.45 - 12.00Coffee break
- 12.10 - 12.15Lightning Talks: big ideas in 5 minutes
- 12.15 - 13.15Plenary session 1
Global Gateway unlocking potential: enhancing EU-Pakistan economic ties and investment through innovative policies and financial solutions
- SIFC representative
- Director EIB International Partnerships, Ms Thouraya Trikki and Representative of other EU Development Financial Institutions
- Representative Economic Affairs Division, Pakistan
- 13.15 - 14.30Networking Lunch / Visit of booths
- Showcase of priority sectors by Pakistani and European firms
- Provincial booths highlight regional economic opportunities
- Interactive discussions and elevator pitches
- 14.30 - 16.00Breakout sessions - Round 1:
- Breakout 1: Sustainable innovation - Bridging Pakistan’s textile & leather industries with EU partnerships for a circular future
- Breakout 2: Navigating new frontiers - Enhancing EU-Pakistan agricultural collaboration for sustainable growth
- Breakout 3: EU-Pakistan economic synergies & roadmap of needs (only upon invitation)
An exclusive workshop for invited participants. High-level government officials and business leaders will engage in targeted discussions on specific challenges and opportunities, focusing on actionable solutions to support business growth and investment.
- 16.00 - 16.25Networking coffee break
- 16.25 - 16.30Lightning Talks: big ideas in 5 minutes
- 16.30 - 17.45Roundtable: Turning barriers into bridges - Sustainability for growth!
This session will provide expert insights into key EU legislation, including the Omnibus Package, CS3D, and CBAM. It will highlight how businesses can leverage these regulations to enhance their competitiveness rather than perceive them as obstacles.
- 17.45 - 18.00Wrap-up of Day 1
Summary of key takeaways by the Forum moderator
- 19.30 - 21.30Welcome and networking dinner: celebrating EU-Pakistan partnerships
A chance to build stronger personal and professional connections
Day 2: Strategic Collaborations for Sustainable Growth
- 08.30 - 09.00Registration & networking
- 09.00 - 11.00Executive roundtable
Innovate, Invest, Inspire – The power of private sector participation
- Join us for an engaging strategic public private dialogue on Private Sector Participation (PSP) and its transformative role in Pakistan’s infrastructure and economic development. This roundtable will explore how PSP goes beyond traditional PPPs, unlocking new opportunities for private sector-led investment, financing, and management in key sectors. Our expert panel will provide actionable insights into EU-Pakistan collaboration, showcasing how European expertise and investment can drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth through PSP-driven projects.
- 11.00 - 11.25Coffee break
- 11.25 - 11.30Lightning Talks: big ideas in 5 minutes
- 11.30 - 13.00Sector-specific breakout sessions - Round 2
- Breakout 4: The Crossroads Advantage: Green logistics and connectivity powering Pakistan as a regional trade hub
- Breakout 5: Transforming nations through technology and innovation - A cross-sector approach to growth future in Pakistan
- 13.00 - 14.00Networking lunch / Visit of booths
- 14.30 - 15.45Interactive sessions
- Interactive Session 1: B2B meetings and matchmaking
Tailored one-on-one sessions between EU investors and Pakistani businesses - Interactive Session 2: B2F meetings and matchmaking
Tailored one-on-one sessions between DFls, Pakistani LFI, and SMEs
- Interactive Session 1: B2B meetings and matchmaking
- 16.30 - 17.00Closing ceremony
Closing remarks by the EU leadership and Pakistan's Minister of Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan
Signature ceremony
- 17.00Tea and departure
What the Forum will achieve
The EU-Pakistan Business Forum 2025 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 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.
Why attend the Forum?
With a rapidly growing market of over 240 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.
Opportunity sectors
AgribusinessContributing 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 machineryHighlighting 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 circularityPakistan'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 chemicalsAccounting for 19.8% of EU exports to Pakistan, this sector offers potential in healthcare, agriculture, and chemical-dependent industries.
Green logistics and infrastructurePakistan 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
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
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
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
Ensure you have the appropriate business visa for Pakistan. Apply well in advance through the local Pakistani embassy or consulate.
- Airport and transport
Islamabad International Airport is modern and well-connected. Arrange airport transfers with your hotel or pre-book a taxi service. 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.
- 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.
- Networking
Bring plenty of business cards!
- Digital connectivity
Use local SIM cards or hotel Wi-Fi for seamless communication.