Islamabad: Pakistan and the Netherlands have agreed to continue working together to deepen bilateral economic, trade, and investment cooperation. This development emerged from a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and the new Dutch Ambassador, Robert-Jan Siegert, in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Finance Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling its reform and compliance obligations, while assuring continued engagement with the EU and its member states, including the Netherlands, on matters related to GSP Plus. He emphasized that the government is focused on restoring investor confidence and creating a supportive ecosystem for private sector investment. The Minister outlined a strategic shift in Pakistan’s economic focus from consumption-led growth to investment- and export-led growth, aiming to break the recurring boom-bust cycles of the past.

Recalling the Netherlands’ export-led economic model, the Minister stressed the importance of enhancing the competitiveness of Pakistan’s industries in global markets. Ambassador Siegert, in his remarks, reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to expanding trade and investment ties with Pakistan. He highlighted the presence of around fifty Dutch companies currently operating in the country and expressed interest in exploring opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, IT, and textiles, where the Netherlands holds strong expertise.

The Ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s proactive engagement on related matters and acknowledged the government’s intent to remain constructively engaged as the new GSP Plus cycle approaches.