High Level EU-Pakistan Business Forum

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.

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.

DELEGATION-PAKISTAN-EU-PK-BUSINESS-FORUM@eeas.europa.eu

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.

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.

• Agribusiness

  Contributing 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 machinery

  Highlighting 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 circularity

  Pakistan'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 chemicals

  Accounting for 19.8% of EU exports to Pakistan, this sector offers potential in healthcare, agriculture, and chemical-dependent industries.

• Green logistics and infrastructure

  Pakistan 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.

Global Gateway strategy

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.

The GSP+ advantage

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+ (European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus)

EFSD+ enables access to blended financing, including grants and guarantees, for sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, SME growth, and export diversification.

• 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 SMEs

  Seeking 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

• The Forum

  The Forum will comprise public and private sector-led presentations, panel discussions and sector-specific breakout sessions.

• Exhibition

  The Forum will offer the space to allow Pakistani and European companies, as well as partners, to showcase their products and services.

• Presentations of investment projects

  A selection of high-profile project opportunities will be presented by the Pakistani Board of Investment in a variety of sectors.

• B2B and B2G Matchmaking

  Business-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.

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.