Despite growing ties, Pak-Portugal trade stays low

Portugal's ambassador, Paulo Domingues, has urged businesses in both countries to turn warm diplomatic ties into concrete trade, investment and joint ventures. Speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), he said bilateral commerce still falls well short of what the two economies could achieve. The Express Tribune reported that he called on companies to form direct partnerships and open new markets.

Domingues said Portuguese firms have not yet fully studied the Pakistani market, partly because they know too little about the opportunities it offers. Pakistani businesses, by contrast, are already sending missions to Portugal to assess prospects across several sectors, and he is confident trade will grow as these efforts build momentum. He added that the Portuguese embassy could assist firms in finding customers, suppliers, distributors and dependable long-term business associates.

Areas he identified for cooperation include commerce and manufacturing, clean power, digital technology, farming, fruit growing and innovation. He highlighted Portugal's experience in clean energy, noting that around 70% of its electricity generation comes from renewable sources. According to him, this record could create room for shared learning, joint technology work and investment ties.