Pakistan seeks more investment, trade with Portugal

The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) met Portuguese Ambassador Paulo Domingues on Saturday to explore ways of deepening economic, trade and investment ties between Pakistan and Portugal. A press release from the SIFC said the agenda covered textiles, agriculture, IT, pharmaceuticals and SEZs. The discussion also touched on shared interests for business communities in both nations.

The SIFC briefed the envoy on Pakistan's investment potential in priority sectors, along with its framework for coordinated support to local and overseas investors. As a government-wide platform, the SIFC links investors with federal, provincial and sector-specific bodies to streamline approvals and help viable business opportunities take shape. The meeting also noted new openings arising from Pakistan's expanding links with international companies and institutions.

The council noted that FC Porto's Dragon Force Academy has been launched in Sialkot alongside Forward Sports. Through the academy, the club's youth development scheme reaches Pakistan, which the SIFC sees as another channel for institutional and commercial ties. The SIFC also said continued dialogue with overseas partners is needed to find projects that make commercial sense.