Islamabad: Pakistan and France have pledged to enhance their trade ties and explore collaboration in key sectors following a significant meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and French Ambassador Nicolas Galey. The discussions, held on Thursday, focused on avenues for boosting bilateral trade and fostering sector-specific cooperation.

The meeting addressed a variety of topics, including market access, industrial certification, institutional reform, and future trade diplomacy. Both nations expressed a shared commitment to transforming their economic engagement into a more structured and mutually beneficial partnership.

“France is a key partner in the EU and globally. We see immense potential in building sector-specific partnerships, especially in agriculture, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and digital transformation,” stated Minister Jam Kamal Khan. He highlighted Pakistan’s aim to increase exports and welcomed France’s support in helping local industries meet international compliance and certification standards.

The discussions also touched on the upcoming Pakistan-France Investment Forum in Paris, designed to connect business leaders, institutional investors, and policymakers. Minister Khan suggested incorporating fashion shows, B2B meetings, and single-country exhibitions in future trade forums to promote Pakistani textiles, ICT, garments, and agri-based products.

Minister Khan pointed to success stories like the Peugeot car assembly and a newly launched cancer medicine production facility in Karachi as models of strategic cooperation.

Ambassador Galey expressed support, noting the presence of French companies in Pakistan’s lighting and pharmaceutical sectors. “Examples of successful joint ventures must be highlighted to build trust and encourage further investment,” he noted.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to institutionalize cooperation and align development strategies towards data-driven, sustainable, and inclusive bilateral trade.