Netherlands Ambassador Visits LCCI, Invites Business Community to Join EU–Pakistan Business Forum

By Farzana Chaudhry – Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Robert-Jan Siegert, has said that while Pakistan–Netherlands bilateral trade continues to grow steadily, both sides must intensify efforts to enhance cooperation, particularly in trade and investment. He urged Pakistan to create a more business-friendly environment to attract greater foreign investment.

Speaking during his visit to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Ambassador emphasized that despite strong ties, there remains “a little bit of catching up to do.” He called for collective efforts to address regulatory hurdles and promote a smoother, more competitive business environment.

LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol accorded a warm welcome to the Ambassador and his delegation, which included Honorary Consul Asma Hamid, Deputy Head of Mission Hajo Provo Kluit, and First Secretary Alexander Akerboom. Senior members of the LCCI Executive Committee were also in attendance.

Saigol noted that Pakistan views the Netherlands as a key trading partner in Europe. Citing ITC World Trade Map statistics, he said the Netherlands’ global imports exceed USD 635 billion, while exports stand above USD 722 billion. The Netherlands is Pakistan’s third-largest export destination in Europe after the UK and Germany, with bilateral trade for 2024–25 amounting to USD 1.9 billion. Pakistan exported USD 1.49 billion worth of goods—mainly home textiles, hosiery, rice, and woven fabrics—while imports from the Netherlands totaled USD 420 million.

Saigol stressed the need for both countries to diversify trade portfolios and explore new areas of cooperation such as IT, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, tourism, processed foods, and automotive manufacturing. He also highlighted the potential for agricultural modernization through Dutch expertise and technology transfer.

First Secretary Alexander Akerboom noted that over 50 Dutch companies already operate in Pakistan and are exploring expansion opportunities. He referenced successful joint ventures in livestock, agri-tech, and halal-related sectors. Highlighting the Netherlands’ global leadership in high-tech agriculture, he said innovative farming systems—such as greenhouse technologies—could significantly boost Pakistan’s productivity while reducing costs.

Akerboom cited the successful potato project in Punjab, which cut fertilizer costs by 30% while increasing yields by the same margin. He also mentioned the recently launched International Cotton Accelerator in Lahore, aimed at promoting organic cotton and strengthening Pakistan’s textile economy. He emphasized the need for climate-resilient seeds and advanced water management to address Pakistan’s growing environmental challenges.

Ambassador Siegert said that while Pakistan offers a promising market, global investors weigh opportunities worldwide. He stressed that regulatory simplification, improved ease of doing business, and broader reforms beyond special economic zones are essential to attract more Dutch investment.

The Ambassador invited LCCI and its members to actively participate in the EU–Pakistan Business Forum, scheduled for April 28–29 in Islamabad, where representatives from all EU member states will explore avenues for deeper trade cooperation.

LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan–Netherlands economic ties through enhanced B2B linkages, exchange of business delegations, and identification of new tradable goods. He assured full support from LCCI for initiatives aimed at elevating bilateral trade and investment.