Various sectors: Pakistan, Portugal to deepen bilateral cooperation

KARACHI: Pakistan and Portugal have agreed to intensify bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy, agriculture and maritime affairs.

Emphasis was also made to explore stronger parliamentary, cultural and people-to-people ties.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Portuguese Ambassador to Pakistan Paulo Miguel Guedes Domingues and Acting Governor of Sindh and Speaker of Sindh Assembly Syed Awais Qadir Shah at the Sindh Assembly building in Karachi, on Monday.

The two sides discussed expanding collaboration in tourism, cultural exchanges, sports and development, with a particular focus on creating practical opportunities for closer engagement.

Speaker described Karachi as Pakistan’s economic hub and highlighted Sindh’s rich historical heritage, agricultural strength and vast tourism potential.

He invited the ambassador to visit other parts of the province, particularly Sukkur, and assured him of full cooperation during his visits.

The acting governor also showcased Sindh’s leading healthcare institutions, including the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), GIMS and the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD).

The Portuguese ambassador said Portuguese artists would participate in Karachi’s World Culture Festival with the support of the Sindh Culture Department. He identified renewable energy, agriculture, maritime affairs and development as key sectors for expanded bilateral cooperation.

Amin Fakir, designated honorary Consul General in Karachi, pointed to significant opportunities for increasing Pakistani exports to Portugal, particularly basmati rice, fruits, information technology services and leather products.

The Ambassador stressed the importance of people-to-people contacts and recognised the valuable contribution of the Pakistani community in Portugal. He described President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to Portugal last year as a major step towards strengthening bilateral relations.

Sports cooperation, especially football, also featured prominently in the meeting. The ambassador expressed interest in advancing sports diplomacy, highlighted the launch of Pakistan’s first FC Porto Dragon Force Football Academy in Sialkot and praised Lyari’s deep-rooted football culture and emerging talent.

Shah proposed the establishment of a Parliamentary Friendship Group between the Portuguese Parliament and the Sindh Assembly to build institutional links, promote exchanges of legislative expertise and deepen cooperation among parliamentarians.

The meeting was attended by Portuguese Political Officer David Arcao, Sindh Assembly Secretary G M Umar Farooq and Director General Media Irfan Ahmed Memon.

The Speaker assured the ambassador of Sindh’s full support for stronger engagement with the Portuguese diplomatic mission. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening friendly relations and pursuing new avenues of cooperation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the acting governor presented the ambassador with a commemorative shield, books on the history of Sindh and its provincial assembly, and traditional Sindhi gifts, including a cap and Ajrak.

He later accompanied the delegation on a tour of the historic assembly building and briefed its members on its history and parliamentary traditions.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026