KARACHI (special crosspondent) – The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) President, Atif Ikram Sheikh, has formally called for a strategic, concerted effort to expand Pakistan’s trade and investment footprint across Eastern Europe. Describing the region as a high-potential and largely untapped market, he emphasized that it offers substantial opportunities for Pakistani exporters, investors, and industrial stakeholders.

Current Trade Landscape and Economic Potential

Addressing the current trade deficit and engagement levels, the FPCCI President noted that Pakistan’s economic relations with Eastern Europe remain significantly below their actual potential. According to official data from the State Bank of Pakistan, the country’s exports to the region saw a modest increase from US$740 million in FY2024 to US$758 million in FY2025. During the same timeframe, imports into Pakistan from the region declined from US$1.67 billion to US$705 million, bringing the total two-way merchandise trade to approximately US$1.46 billion in FY2025.

“While the recent growth in our exports is encouraging, the overall volume of trade remains modest in view of the economic potential, market size, and strategic importance of Eastern Europe,” Atif Ikram Sheikh stated. He asserted that the business community must prioritize market diversification to reduce reliance on traditional trading partners, echoing the digital innovation and expansion strategies currently being championed across various national sectors.

Targeting Emerging Regional Markets

The FPCCI President highlighted Romania, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, and Ukraine as key destinations with significant demand for Pakistani goods and services. He specifically identified textiles, apparel, home textiles, rice, food products, surgical and medical instruments, sports goods, leather, furniture, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and IT services as primary sectors for potential growth.

To facilitate this, Atif Ikram Sheikh announced that the newly established FPCCI EU Forum would serve as a primary platform to foster interaction with European chambers of commerce, importers, and investment institutions. This initiative aims to establish direct B2B linkages and develop robust trade partnerships. He proposed a roadmap involving sector-specific B2B meetings, buyer-seller interactions, and active participation in major European exhibitions.

Strategic Gateway for Investment

Beyond simple trade, the President stressed that Eastern Europe should be viewed as a strategic gateway to the broader European Union supply chain. He urged the private sector to explore joint ventures, logistics, food processing, and technology services to deepen ties. Much like international investment interest growing in the country, the FPCCI remains committed to converting this untapped regional potential into concrete commercial outcomes for Pakistan’s economic future.