Karoblis says there is significant scope for expanding EU-Pakistan economic ties

Raimundas Karoblis, the European Union's ambassador to Pakistan, told a delegation from the All Pakistan Business Forum in Lahore that there is considerable room to grow Pakistan-EU economic ties. According to Business Recorder, he pointed to higher exports, more investment, technology transfer and stronger business-to-business links as ways to get there. The meeting, led by APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood, also covered joint ventures, GSP+ market access, SMEs and vocational training.

The latest European Commission assessment puts Pakistan's exports to the bloc at about €8.3 billion, roughly 28 percent of its total exports. The EU remains the largest market for Pakistani goods, with textiles and clothing making up about 75 percent of shipments. Bilateral goods trade reached €12.2 billion in 2025.

Karoblis stressed the importance of more interaction between businesses on both sides, along with skills development. Mahmood asked for more practical economic engagement and support for SMEs, which he said struggle with the cost of international certification and tougher European standards. The APBF offered to arrange direct meetings between Pakistani and European companies, and the delegation welcomed EU backing for vocational programmes.