Envoy for transformation in Portugal, Pakistan economic ties

Business Recorder reported that Portuguese ambassador Paulo Domingues called for a substantial overhaul of economic ties between Portugal and Pakistan. Speaking at a Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry meeting, he said the two countries should convert their longstanding goodwill into concrete commercial deals rather than stop at cordial diplomacy. He noted that bilateral trade still sits well below its potential despite steadily improving relations.

Domingues pointed to complementary strengths in both economies and listed renewable energy, technology, agriculture, fruit cultivation and innovation as promising areas. Portugal, he said, gets about 70 percent of its power from renewable sources, which could open room for knowledge sharing and investment partnerships. He added that the Portuguese Embassy could help firms find buyers, suppliers and distributors.

Looking ahead, the ambassador said Portugal's foreign minister will visit Pakistan on November 22 and 23, when a business forum is planned in Islamabad. KCCI president Talat Mahmood backed the push and urged a broader drive to diversify exports beyond textiles. He also asked the embassy to improve Pakistani exporters' access to the Portuguese market.