Pakistan, Croatia vow closer trade, investment cooperation

July 10, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Croatia have agreed to substantially expand bilateral trade and investment, with both sides pledging to work together to realise the full potential of relations spanning IT, renewable energy, agriculture, livestock, food processing, tourism, hospitality, urban development, and water and waste management.

Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani held talks with Dr. Gordan Grlic Radman, Croatia's Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr, APP reported.

Secretary Foreign Affairs also attended the meeting, which marked the first-ever visit of a Croatian Foreign Minister to Pakistan.

Yousuf Raza Gilani described the visit as a historic milestone in bilateral relations, noting that Pakistan greatly values its longstanding friendship with Croatia, founded on mutual respect and goodwill.

He said the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) offers a streamlined mechanism to facilitate and support foreign investment, and invited Croatian businesses to explore opportunities across the sectors identified.

He commended Croatia's remarkable progress over the past three decades and its important role in Europe and beyond, including as a member of the European Union and NATO, adding that Pakistan remains committed to strengthening engagement with Croatia both bilaterally and within the broader framework of Pakistan's EU partnership.

Recalling that diplomatic relations between the two countries were established more than three decades ago, the Acting President underscored the importance of regular high-level exchanges and parliamentary diplomacy.

He encouraged the establishment of Pakistan-Croatia Parliamentary Friendship Groups to promote sustained interaction between elected representatives of both countries, and extended a cordial invitation to Croatian President Zoran Milanovic to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at mutually convenient dates.

Yousuf Raza Gilani stressed the need to substantially expand bilateral trade and investment, observing that existing trade volume remained well below the potential of the two economies.

He welcomed the growing presence of Croatian companies in Pakistan, including Infobip's partnerships with leading Pakistani businesses and KONCAR's contribution to the Chashma Hydropower Project, hoping these would pave the way for more Croatian investment.

He also emphasised facilitating the mobility of skilled Pakistani professionals, particularly in construction, transport and hospitality, noting that Pakistani manpower has made valuable contributions to development across the Middle East, Europe and North America, adding that closer cooperation in this area would serve mutual interests.

On regional connectivity, Yousuf Raza Gilani proposed enhanced cooperation between Karachi Port and Croatia's ports to facilitate greater trade with European markets, while highlighting potential for expanding collaboration in education, sports and IT, expressing hope that Croatia would benefit from Pakistan's skilled and competitive digital workforce.

The Croatian foreign minister thanked the acting president for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation, reaffirming Croatia's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Pakistan.

He expressed confidence that enhanced political dialogue, parliamentary exchanges and economic cooperation would further deepen the friendly relations between the two countries.

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