Netherlands for deepening trade, investment ties

Netherlands Ambassador Robert-Jan Siegert has said that while trade relations between Pakistan and the Netherlands are strong and continue to grow, there is still a "little bit of catching up to do" to further enhance cooperation, particularly for investment.

He emphasised that both sides should work together to make the business environment easier and more attractive for foreign investors by addressing existing challenges.

Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the ambassador said that Pakistan offers a great market, but foreign investors also compare opportunities globally. Therefore, simplification of regulatory procedures, improved ease of doing business and reforms beyond Special Economic Zones are crucial to attract more Dutch investment. He said both sides should join hands to advocate business-friendly reforms.

He invited LCCI and its members to actively participate in the EU-Pakistan Business Forum scheduled for April 28-29 in Islamabad, where companies and institutions from all EU states would explore avenues for deeper trade cooperation.

First Secretary Alexander Akerboom said that more than 50 Dutch companies were already active in the Pakistani market and were looking to further expand. He cited successful joint ventures as models of future cooperation, especially in livestock, agri-food technology and halal-based exports.

He mentioned that Dutch expertise in hi-tech agriculture and greenhouse farming could greatly help Pakistan increase crop yields and reduce production costs. The Netherlands, despite its small size, is the second-largest exporter of agri-food globally due to its innovative farming methods.

He shared examples such as the potato project in Punjab that successfully reduced fertiliser costs by 30% and increased yield by the same proportion. He also referred to recent initiatives like the International Cotton Accelerator, launched in Lahore, which aims to promote organic cotton and strengthen Pakistan's textile-based economy.

He stressed that Pakistan needed climate-resilient seeds and advanced water management solutions to cope with growing challenges like floods and droughts.

In his remarks, LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol said that Pakistan considers the Netherlands as an important economy and a key trading partner in Europe. According to the ITC World Trade Map, global imports of the Netherlands exceed $635 billion while exports are above $722 billion.

The Netherlands is the third-largest export destination for Pakistan in Europe after the UK and Germany and stands fourth among the top European import markets for Pakistan.

He informed the meeting that overall bilateral trade during 2024-25 stood around $1.9 billion. Pakistan's exports to the Netherlands amounted to $1.49 billion whereas imports were recorded at $420 million in the same period.