Dutch delegation finds Pakistan a treat for trade and investment

Pakistan and the Netherlands explored ways to widen trade, investment and business links during talks in Islamabad with a visiting Dutch business delegation, Mettis Global reported. Sectors on the table included textiles and IT, along with farming, food processing, engineering and workforce training. Both sides urged closer day-to-day contact between their business communities so that commercial interest could lead to real deals and shared projects.

The Dutch envoy said bilateral commerce is roughly $1.9bn and mostly tilted towards Pakistani shipments. He also placed the Netherlands second among Pakistan's buyers within the EU and urged greater Dutch exports to Pakistan along with more investment here. Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul hosted the business dinner and argued that direct engagement between companies is essential for identifying commercially viable opportunities.

Delegates toured leading Pakistani firms, among them Systems Limited, and several members saw openings in software development, remote professional services and specialised staffing. The Pakistan Software Export Board also held meetings with Dutch business people focused on software and digital offerings.