Dutch envoy seeks stronger trade ties with Pakistan
LAHORE: Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Hajo Provo Kluit, has said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) is a vital bridge between the business community and the public sector, making it an indispensable partner for strengthening Pakistan-Netherlands economic relations.
He said with more than 48,000 members representing diverse sectors, the LCCI possesses valuable market knowledge that can help Dutch companies identify business opportunities and reliable local partners.
He emphasized that regular dialogue between the Embassy and LCCI is essential to further expand bilateral trade and investment, adding that 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 stressed that helping Dutch companies connect with trustworthy Pakistani partners would open new avenues of economic cooperation and joint ventures.
He expressed these views during his visit to the LCCI where he was warmly received by Acting President LCCI Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh. Senior Economic Advisor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ms. Maria Erfan, also accompanied him.
Hajo Provo Kluit said the Netherlands and Pakistan enjoy a long-standing trade relationship that predates the formal diplomatic ties between the two countries. He pointed out that while several major Dutch multinational companies are operating in Pakistan, many of the most successful new entrants have been small and medium-sized family-owned businesses that developed strong relationships with reliable local partners.
Welcoming the Dutch delegation, Acting President LCCI Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh said the visit reflected the growing importance of economic cooperation between Pakistan and the Netherlands.
He said regular engagement between the public and private sectors is essential for promoting trade, encouraging investment and building long-term business partnerships.
Tanveer said Pakistan greatly values its longstanding friendship with the Netherlands and appreciates cooperation in areas including agriculture, dairy, water management, logistics, renewable energy and sustainable development. He added according to the State Bank of Pakistan, bilateral trade between the two countries reached approximately USUSD1.9 billion during 2025-26, with Pakistan’s exports standing at USUSD1.44 billion and imports from the Netherlands at USUSD505 million. He said that the existing trade volume has the potential to increase to USUSD5 billion through enhanced cooperation and stronger business linkages.
He said that 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. He emphasized that Pakistan possesses significant export potential in value-added garments, knitwear, denim, leather products, sports goods, surgical instruments, furniture, processed food, halal meat, seafood, software and IT services.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026