Islamabad: Pakistan and France have agreed to bolster their economic cooperation, focusing on climate action and sustainable development. This consensus was reached during a meeting between the French Ambassador to Pakistan, Nicolas Galey, and Pakistan’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Cheema.

The discussions were further supported by Vincent Thevenot, Country Director of the French Development Agency. The Minister recognized the ongoing support from the French government, which has been instrumental in various sectors including energy, urban development, and technology.

Currently, fourteen projects are underway with assistance from the French Development Agency, with an additional seven projects under consideration. Cheema expressed optimism for the swift approval of these pending projects by the AFD Board.

Key initiatives discussed included the Rural Development and Climate Resilience project for regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Urban Wastewater Governance Project for Punjab’s major cities.

Ambassador Galey reiterated France’s commitment to Pakistan’s development priorities, promising continued support for the timely execution of ongoing and proposed projects.

Cheema also expressed gratitude for France’s backing of Pakistan’s GSP-plus status, which plays a crucial role in boosting Pakistan’s exports to the European Union.