Overview

• New EU ambassador Raimundas Karoblis met Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad and confirmed plans to fully reactivate the forum with a meeting targeted for early next year.
• Karoblis said more than 300 EU companies operate in Pakistan and voiced commitment to expand trade and investment ties.
• The envoy highlighted that EU GSP+ preferences have boosted Pakistan’s sales to Europe, with over 30% of the country’s exports going to the EU.
• EIB financing was cited as ongoing in Karachi’s water and sanitation projects, with prospective support flagged for railways, energy and rural housing.
• Aurangzeb promoted sectoral investment opportunities, noted macroeconomic reforms and positive rating actions, and reported flood losses exceeding 950 deaths with a possible cabinet appeal for international rehabilitation support under consideration.