The Netherlands has reaffirmed its intent to expand trade and investment relations with Pakistan, as its newly appointed Ambassador, Robert–Jan Siegert, met Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Finance Division on Thursday.
Welcoming the envoy on his diplomatic assignment, Minister Aurangzeb expressed appreciation for the Netherlands’ longstanding support across development, trade, and private sector-led initiatives. He briefed the ambassador on Pakistan’s economic progress, stating that after a period of macroeconomic adjustment, the country has transitioned toward stability with stronger fundamentals.
Aurangzeb noted that all three global rating agencies have upgraded Pakistan’s outlook and that the IMF management has expressed confidence in the reform agenda, particularly in tax reforms, energy sector stabilisation, governance improvements in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and ongoing privatisation efforts.
He further highlighted that investor confidence is being restored through measures such as easing profit repatriation constraints, allowing profits and dividends to be transferred routinely. The minister said the government’s focus has shifted from consumption-driven to investment- and export-led growth to avoid the cyclical boom-bust trends of the past.
Ambassador Siegert commended Pakistan’s economic reform trajectory and reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to deepening economic cooperation. He noted that nearly 50 Dutch companies are currently operating in Pakistan and voiced interest in expanding collaboration in agriculture, information technology, textiles, and other sectors where the Netherlands holds strong expertise.
He also underscored the potential role of FMO, the Dutch development finance institution, in facilitating future investments in Pakistan.
Discussing the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), the ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s proactive engagement on human rights and labour compliance and acknowledged its commitment to remain constructively involved as the new GSP+ cycle approaches.
Minister Aurangzeb reiterated Pakistan’s determination to meet its reform and compliance obligations and assured continued cooperation with the European Union and its member states, including the Netherlands, on GSP+-related matters.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral economic and development ties.
