Current bilateral trade at $1.9b as Dutch envoy seeks local partners.

Our Correspondent

LAHORE: The Netherlands has identified the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) as a key partner for expanding bilateral trade and investment, with the current trade volume of $1.9 billion having the potential to reach $5 billion through enhanced cooperation.

Chargé d’Affaires of the Dutch Embassy Hajo Provo Kluit, during his visit to LCCI, said the chamber’s membership of over 48,000 businesses across diverse sectors makes it an indispensable partner for strengthening Pakistan-Netherlands economic relations, according to a statement issued on Wednesday.

Acting LCCI President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh said bilateral trade reached approximately $1.9 billion during 2025-26, with Pakistan’s exports standing at $1.44 billion and imports from the Netherlands at $505 million. He said the existing trade volume has the potential to increase to $5 billion through enhanced cooperation and stronger business linkages.

Pakistan’s major exports to the Netherlands include home textiles, hosiery, woven fabrics and rice, while imports comprise petroleum products, malt extracts, iron and steel scrap, medical equipment and dairy products. Sheikh emphasised Pakistan’s significant export potential in value-added garments, knitwear, leather products, sports goods, surgical instruments, processed food, halal meat, software and IT services.

Sheikh said Pakistan offers attractive investment opportunities through Special Economic Zones, Export Processing Zones and industrial estates, supported by a young and skilled workforce, improving macroeconomic indicators and exchange rate stability.

Provo Kluit said successful Dutch companies operating in Pakistan have largely been small and medium-sized family businesses that succeeded by establishing strong partnerships with local enterprises. He said helping Dutch companies connect with trustworthy Pakistani partners would open new avenues of economic cooperation and joint ventures.

Published Date: August 6, 2026