LAHORE (Special Correspondent) – Greece and Pakistan possess significant potential to further expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation, particularly through enhanced business-to-business engagement, tourism, skilled manpower, agriculture, renewable energy, and other emerging sectors. This was stated by the Ambassador of Greece to Pakistan, Eleni Porichi, during a one-to-one meeting with the President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, where both sides explored avenues to strengthen economic and commercial relations.

The Greek Ambassador noted that bilateral trade between the two nations holds substantial room for improvement. She stressed that the business communities in both countries must proactively identify specific sectors where meaningful cooperation can be developed. While emphasizing that diplomatic missions serve to facilitate trade delegations and business exchanges, she underscored that the initiative for identifying concrete investment opportunities should originate from the private sector itself.

LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol emphasized that Pakistan and Greece should collaborate to explore untapped potential in agriculture, mining, and mineral sectors. He encouraged Pakistani businesses to leverage Greek expertise, advanced technology, and professional experience. Mr. Saigol specifically highlighted the necessity of enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector, noting that Greece has developed world-class infrastructure and expertise from which Pakistan could significantly benefit. He remarked that, much like the promotion of international tourism and travel linkages, structured business-to-business (B2B) engagements are essential for identifying joint ventures and investment avenues. He added that the LCCI remains committed to fostering international economic partnerships.

Strategic Sectors and Labor Cooperation

Ambassador Eleni Porichi acknowledged that while textiles—specifically cotton and textile products—remain a cornerstone of the current trade volume between the two nations, there is a clear roadmap to diversify into other areas. She highlighted the strong presence of the Pakistani community in Greece, noting that a vast number of these expatriates hail from Punjab. She further stated that Greek employers maintain a consistent demand for Pakistani labor, particularly in the agricultural sector, while emerging opportunities are also becoming available for electricians, engineers, and other skilled professionals. The Ambassador clarified that Pakistani workers are currently employed in Greece through both seasonal and long-term arrangements based on market requirements, with thousands of workers migrating annually.

Discussing cultural and tourism cooperation, the Ambassador expressed her appreciation for the ongoing development and restoration projects in Lahore. Comparing her current observations to her previous visit to Pakistan around 2010, she remarked on the significant positive transformation of the city’s downtown area. She expressed keen interest in fostering deeper ties regarding tourism infrastructure, suggesting that stakeholders from both nations should establish direct contact to explore mutually beneficial outcomes.