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In Karachi, Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has introduced a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering stronger ties with Europe. The Pakistan-EU Business Forum, established by FPCCI, is now inviting applications for both new and renewal memberships for the year 2026, with the deadline set for February 16, 2026.
Mr. Ikram Sheikh underscored that Pakistan’s trade relationship with the European Union has seen a significant positive trajectory in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, with exports to Europe reaching approximately $8.86 billion. This represents a notable recovery and growth compared to the previous year’s figures. He highlighted that while textiles and apparel remain key export sectors, other industries like leather goods, agro and food products, surgical instruments, and light engineering also benefit significantly from this partnership.
The EU continues to be one of Pakistan’s most significant trading partners, with substantial demand for Pakistani goods across various sectors. The resurgence in exports can largely be attributed to increased demand within Western, Eastern, and Northern European markets. To capitalize on these opportunities, FPCCI has expanded its engagement with EU markets by initiating the Pakistan-EU Business Forum—a dedicated platform designed to support businesses, exporters, and SMEs.
The forum will strengthen its relationship with Europe through structured interactions with Pakistan’s missions in European capitals as well as European missions in Pakistan. These collaborations are expected to facilitate enhanced business networking, policy coordination, market access support, and trade promotion initiatives.
FPCCI emphasized that the forum’s activities will also focus on bolstering SME capacity-building, promoting export diversification, raising awareness of trade facilitation processes, and maximizing opportunities through EU GSP+ preferential access arrangements. Membership is open to CEOs, Managing Directors, Directors General, Proprietors, members of FPCCI Trade Bodies, Business Councils with EU countries, including women entrepreneurs and exporters.
Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh invited existing members to renew their memberships and encouraged professionals and business leaders interested in new membership to submit the prescribed application form along with required documents by February 16, 2026.
Mr. Ikram emphasized FPCCI’s commitment to deepening Pakistan-EU trade relations, urging the business community to actively participate in the forum’s activities to take advantage of expanding opportunities in European markets.
Brig Iftikhar Opel, Senior Intelligence Specialist (M), Retired
Secretary General