The inaugural EU-Pakistan Business Forum 2025, themed “Stronger Together,” is set to take place on May 14–15 at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad
The inaugural EU-Pakistan Business Forum 2025, themed “Stronger Together,” is set to take place on May 14–15 at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad. This landmark event marks a significant milestone in the over 60-year diplomatic and economic relationship between the European Union and Pakistan. Jointly organized by the EU, its Member States, and the Government of Pakistan, the forum aims to foster high-level dialogue, empower partnerships, and unlock opportunities for businesses in both regions.
The EU-Pakistan Business Forum 2025 is designed to facilitate collaboration between European and Pakistani companies, showcase Pakistan’s investment potential in priority sectors, and provide a structured environment for stakeholders to network, share insights, and exchange expertise on industry best practices. It will also bring together government and private sector representatives to discuss investment projects and regulatory challenges while promoting sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility in fostering economic resilience.
A significant feature of the forum will be the formal launch of the EU-Pakistan Business Network. This network aims to bring together EU companies active in Pakistan, serving as a platform for exchange and collaboration. It is designed to strengthen EU-Pakistan business cooperation, advocate for an improved business and investment climate, and promote enhanced trade and investment between the EU and Pakistan.
The forum will spotlight several key sectors with high potential for EU-Pakistan collaboration, including agribusiness, where agriculture contributes 24% to Pakistan’s GDP and exports reached EUR 8 billion in 2023-2024. There is significant room for growth through mechanization and sustainability. In information technology and machinery, which represents 23.9% of EU exports to Pakistan, there are opportunities for collaboration in technology, manufacturing, and logistics. The textile and apparel sector dominates Pakistan’s textile exports to the EU, driven by demand for sustainable and ethically produced goods. Pharmaceuticals and chemicals, accounting for 19.8% of EU exports to Pakistan, offer potential in healthcare, agriculture, and chemical-dependent industries. There are also opportunities in green logistics and infrastructure, particularly in energy, carbon markets, and renewable sectors.
The forum will also present key EU initiatives and tools to support investment and trade. These include the Global Gateway Strategy, which aims to boost smart, clean, and secure links in digital, energy, and transport sectors; the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which provides tariff-free access to the EU and has helped Pakistan’s exports grow by 108% since 2014; and the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), which enables access to blended financing, including grants and guarantees, for sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, SME growth, and export diversification.
The forum is expected to bring together over 200 high-end European companies, Pakistani businesses and SMEs, government officials, EU institutions, and development finance institutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in business-to-government (B2G) dialogues, business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking, and networking sessions, fostering direct collaboration and policy advocacy.
The EU-Pakistan Business Forum 2025 represents a pivotal moment in strengthening economic ties between the European Union and Pakistan. By facilitating high-level dialogue, launching strategic initiatives, and focusing on key sectors, the forum aims to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment, driving mutual growth and prosperity.
Writer: Shayan Iqbal, PID, Peshawar. Dated: 06/05/2025
