Pakistan, Netherlands explore new trade, investment opportunities

Mettis Global reported that Pakistan and the Netherlands are exploring ways to widen commercial ties, investment flows and cooperation with private firms. At a lunch hosted by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, a business group headed by the Founders Carbon Network met officials, with Dutch Ambassador Robert-Jan Siegert in attendance. The State Bank governor, the privatisation adviser to the Prime Minister and senior commerce and finance officials also took part.

Aurangzeb urged deeper engagement between businesses of the two countries, saying regular dialogue could uncover investment prospects, build partnerships and boost investor confidence. He argued that Pakistan's improving macroeconomic picture now allows a shift from stabilisation toward higher exports, better productivity, more jobs and greater private investment. The country's FX reserves stood at $21.4 billion, covering imports for over three months, while he pointed to a fast-growing population and a changing climate as lasting strains.

Aurangzeb also said Dutch technology, expertise and capital could support national development targets, and he promoted public-private partnerships as a route to draw in private funds. The privatisation adviser reaffirmed plans to widen private participation through divestment and such partnerships, while the SBP governor stressed macroeconomic stability and financial-sector reform. He also noted the Trade Facilitation Board's role in removing trade obstacles and in better aligning agencies.