Dutch delegation finds Pakistan a treat for trade and investment

October 12, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and the Netherlands have explored ways to broaden their trade, investment and business ties across textiles, information technology, agriculture, food processing, engineering and skilled workforce development.

The discussions were held in Islamabad during an interaction with a visiting Dutch business delegation, where both sides stressed the need to keep their business communities in regular contact and convert commercial interest into concrete partnerships, joint ventures and investments.

The Dutch envoy said the Netherlands ranks as Pakistan’s second-largest export destination in the European Union, with two-way trade of about $1.9bn, tilted largely towards Pakistani exports, and called for more Dutch exports and investment into Pakistan.

The talks looked at Pakistan’s manufacturing strengths, growing technology sector and skilled workforce, and at openings for Dutch firms in export-oriented industries.

Agricultural processing, dairy, sustainable technologies and value-added manufacturing were identified as areas where Dutch technical know-how could pair well with Pakistani production capacity.

The business dinner was hosted by Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul, who said direct business-to-business engagement was key to finding commercially viable opportunities.

The Dutch delegation was led by Merlin Melles and brought together entrepreneurs, investors and executives from different sectors, including Arjan Hoop, Chilot van Slooten, Dick Tool, Lonneke Timmermans, Martijn Koolhoven, Martijn van der Harst, Remt Melles, Joep Verbunt, Eugène Soffers, Guido Ide, Sandra Soffers, Marloes Massier, Berny Plas, Amir Alam and Maryam Hasan.

Dutch Ambassador Robert-Jan Siegert, Special Secretary Commerce Syed Hamid Ali, senior ministry officials and representatives of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) were also present, said a press release issued.

A Commerce Ministry presentation covered Pakistan’s trade relationship with the EU, the benefits of the bloc’s GSP Plus scheme and the scope for diversifying exports beyond traditional items, alongside the country’s farm output, textile industry and sports goods sector.

Dutch Ambassador Siegert pointed to rising Dutch business interest, citing emerging joint ventures, research partnerships and innovative agricultural projects, and welcomed the privately organised mission as a sign of growing private-sector appetite for cooperation.

Merlin Melles and other delegates described their visits to leading Pakistani companies and facilities, among them Systems Limited and major textile and industrial units in Karachi, and praised the country’s industrial capabilities, professional expertise and hospitality.

Several members saw prospects in software development, remote professional services, engineering and specialised staffing, particularly for Pakistani professionals serving European firms through technology-enabled arrangements, while PSEB representatives met Dutch entrepreneurs interested in software, digital services and tech collaboration.

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