KARACHI (Special Correspondent) – The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) hosted H.E. Mr. Raimundas Karoblis, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Pakistan, on 19 October 2026, to discuss strategies for enhancing bilateral economic ties and preparing for the upcoming Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) cycle. The meeting focused on trade diversification and strengthening industrial linkages between the EU and Pakistan.

Key Points

• The EU remains a vital trading partner, with GSP+ access boosting Pakistan’s exports by over 108 percent in a decade.
• FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh confirmed the private sector’s commitment to international human rights, labor, and climate conventions.
• Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis urged Pakistani exporters to diversify beyond textiles into engineering, IT, leather, and food products.
• FPCCI is prioritizing joint ventures in renewable energy, digital services, and agro-processing to foster long-term technology transfers.

Strengthening EU-Pakistan Economic Cooperation

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the FPCCI, underscored that the European Union is an indispensable commercial ally. He noted that as Pakistan enters the next GSP+ cycle, the apex trade body is intensifying efforts to ensure full compliance with international standards. This collaboration aims to transform traditional buyer-seller dynamics into robust, technology-driven partnerships. For broader regional context on trade challenges, one might examine the Pakistan-Iran border trade situation.

Future Trade Horizons and Industrial Growth

Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis highlighted the critical role of the FPCCI in bridging policy and practice. He encouraged Pakistani businesses to seize opportunities in value-added sectors. Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President of the FPCCI, emphasized that for local industry to remain competitive, there must be a focus on regulatory harmonization and reducing the cost of doing business.

Strategic B2B Linkages

Mr. Zubair Baweja, Head of the FPCCI’s Pak-EU Business Forum, outlined new mechanisms to facilitate business-to-business (B2B) connections. The forum serves as a primary vehicle for linking European buyers with domestic exporters. By streamlining these interactions, the FPCCI aims to solidify Pakistan’s position in the European single market, building on the foundation established by prior international economic engagements and fostering sustained, long-term industrial collaboration. The meeting concluded with a pledge to continue high-level consultations to address trade volatility and ensure long-term, sustainable economic growth.