LAHORE (Special Correspondent) – Greece and Pakistan possess significant potential to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation, particularly through enhanced business-to-business engagement, tourism, skilled manpower, agriculture, renewable energy, and other emerging sectors. Ambassador of Greece to Pakistan Eleni Porichi shared these views during a meeting with President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol at the LCCI headquarters. The discussion focused on strategies to fortify the existing commercial and economic relations between the two nations.

The Greek Ambassador remarked that bilateral trade volume could be improved significantly and urged the business communities of both countries to identify specific sectors where meaningful cooperation can be fostered. She noted that while diplomatic missions are well-positioned to facilitate trade delegations and business exchanges, the primary initiative for identifying concrete investment opportunities must originate from the private sector itself.

LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol stated that Pakistan and Greece should collaborate to explore untapped potential in agriculture, mining, and mineral extraction. He noted that Pakistani businesses are keen to benefit from Greek technical expertise and experience. Highlighting the importance of sustainable development, the LCCI leadership continues to advocate for policies similar to those noted by the LCCI President who urges integrated urban planning for sustainable economic growth to ensure long-term stability.

Expanding Strategic Cooperation

Mr. Saigol underscored the necessity of boosting bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector, noting that Greece has developed world-class infrastructure and expertise in this field. He proposed that regular business delegations and structured B2B meetings be prioritized to enable entrepreneurs from both nations to identify joint ventures and investment avenues directly. He affirmed that the Lahore Chamber remains committed to facilitating international economic linkages.

Ambassador Eleni Porichi acknowledged that textiles remain a cornerstone of bilateral trade, with cotton and textile products currently constituting a major share. However, she expressed optimism regarding the diversification of these ties into renewable energy and tourism. She further highlighted the strong presence of the Pakistani community in Greece, noting that a vast number of these expatriates hail from Punjab.

Skilled Manpower and Cultural Ties

The Ambassador noted that Greek employers have a consistent and substantial demand for Pakistani workers, particularly within the agricultural sector. Emerging opportunities are also available for electricians, engineers, and other skilled professionals. These placements occur under both seasonal and long-term arrangements, with thousands of Pakistani workers migrating to Greece annually to meet labor market requirements.

Regarding cultural and tourism cooperation, Ambassador Porichi commended the ongoing restoration and urban development projects in Lahore. Reflecting on her previous visit to Pakistan around 2010, she noted a significant transformation in the city’s downtown landscape. She expressed a strong interest in utilizing Greece’s global expertise in tourism infrastructure to develop mutually beneficial contacts between relevant stakeholders, contributing to a broader goal of regional growth and, as seen in other sectors like ADB Vice President Yingming Yang meets Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, ML-1 project reviewed, institutional cooperation remains essential for progress.