CM, Ambassador Poirier discuss economic, commercial and investment cooperation
Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif held a meeting with the new French Ambassador to Pakistan Jean-Noël Poirier to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing trade and investment and expanding industrial cooperation between Punjab and France.
The chief minister warmly welcomed the French ambassador on his arrival in Lahore, congratulated him on assuming his new diplomatic responsibilities and appreciated his diplomatic services.
During the meeting, both sides discussed opportunities to enhance economic, commercial and investment cooperation between Pakistan and France, with particular focus on developing stronger provincial-level partnerships between Punjab and French institutions. She invited French investors to explore investment opportunities in Punjab’s agriculture, industrial and livestock sectors through the PIVOT initiative. She emphasised that greater engagement with French companies could open new avenues for industrial development, technology transfer and economic growth.
The French ambassador invited the chief minister to visit France to explore opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and eco-nomic relations. Maryam Nawaz thanked him for the invitation and expressed her interest in strengthening commercial and indus-trial ties between the two sides.
The meeting also focused on Pakistan’s GSP+ status and its significance for the country’s exports and industrial economy. The chief minister described the preferential trade arrangement as a lifeline for Pakistan’s exports, particularly for Punjab’s textile, garments, sports goods and leather industries, which depend heavily on access to European markets.
She stressed that France’s support was important for safeguarding Pakistan’s trade interests within the European Union and maintaining preferential access for Pakistani products. She said alignment with the requirements of the new GSP+ framework was essential for securing the country’s export prospects.
Maryam Nawaz noted that the European Union was Pakistan’s largest trading partner, with Pakistan’s exports to the bloc reach-ing approximately $8.96 billion in 2025-26.
