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ISLAMABAD, Feb 6 (APP): Focal Person for the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme for Overseas Affairs and Business and Trade Linkages, Shaheryar Memon, met Ambassador of Pakistan to France Ms. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, during his visit to France, to explore economic and trade opportunities and identify new avenues for investment.
During the meeting, Shaheryar Memon discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in youth engagement, educational opportunities, academic exchanges and long-term people-to-people connections between Pakistan and France.
Welcoming Shaheryar Memon, Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch appreciated his visit to France and other European Union countries aimed at exploring fresh opportunities for business cooperation and investment, said a release issued here on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, Shaheryar Memon said that Pakistan and France enjoy diversified and steadily expanding economic and business relations, encompassing trade, investment, development cooperation and institutional partnerships.
He said France is among Pakistan’s important trading partners in Europe, with bilateral trade having crossed one billion euros in recent years.
Memon said Pakistan’s exports to France mainly include textiles and apparel, leather goods, sports goods, surgical instruments, rice and other agri-based products, while imports from France comprise aircraft and aviation equipment, pharmaceuticals, electrical and mechanical machinery, chemicals, cosmetics and luxury goods.
He said Pakistan has benefited from preferential access to European markets under the European Union’s GSP Plus scheme, which has contributed to increased exports to France.
France is also a significant investor in Pakistan, particularly in energy, water and waste management, transport, telecommunications, banking and insurance sectors, he added.
Referring to development cooperation, he said France supports Pakistan through concessional financing and development assistance, while the French Development Agency (AFD) has financed projects in climate change mitigation, renewable energy, urban development, water and sanitation, and public transport.
He said institutional cooperation is promoted through platforms such as the Pakistan-France Business Council, along with regular trade delegations, business forums and business-to-business meetings aimed at strengthening private-sector linkages.
Both countries see strong potential for future cooperation in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, information technology, agriculture and value-added textiles, he said.
Memon added that France views Pakistan as a large emerging market in South Asia, while Pakistan considers France a key partner for access to European markets and advanced technology.