EU envoy sees scope to expand trade

EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis told a delegation from the All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) that there is substantial room to broaden commercial links between Pakistan and the bloc. Express Tribune reported that the envoy identified shipments abroad, foreign capital inflows, know-how sharing and closer company-to-company engagement as areas with potential. Talks also covered joint ventures, GSP+ access, support for small firms and emerging European regulations.

Karoblis said Pakistan had gained considerably from GSP+, but could gain more by fully applying ILO conventions, widening its export mix, adding value to goods and building a skilled labour force. Citing the latest European Commission assessment, the bloc absorbed roughly 8.3 billion in Pakistani exports, around 28% of the total, and remained the largest outlet. Textiles and clothing account for close to 75% of those sales, and overall two-way goods trade reached 12.2 billion in 2025.

APBF president Syed Maaz Mahmood said businesses want more practical engagement with the EU, and asked for greater help for SMEs meeting certification and compliance demands. He said many small firms struggle with the cost of international certification and stricter European standards, and that technical help could aid their entry into supply chains. The forum said it is ready to arrange direct meetings between Pakistani and European companies. Workers' remittances hit a record $41.6 billion in FY2025-26, with about $5.23 billion coming from EU countries.