KARACHI, FEB 4: /DNA/ – Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, has announced that the Pakistan-EU Business Forum at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) is now inviting applications for new membership and renewal of existing membership for the year 2026, with the last date for submission set as 16 February 2026.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh highlighted that Pakistan’s trade with the European Union – a key export destination and economic partner – showed positive momentum in FY 2025, with exports to the EU rising to approximately $8.86 billion; marking a notable recovery and growth compared with the previous year’s performance.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh said that the EU continues to be among Pakistan’s most significant markets; particularly for textiles and apparel, leather goods, agro and food products, surgical instruments, and light engineering products – which form a substantial share of Pakistan’s export portfolio to Europe. The rebound in exports reflects improved demand in western, eastern, and northern European markets,

In view of these opportunities, FPCCI has strengthened its engagement with EU markets by establishing the Pakistan-EU Business Forum as a dedicated platform to support Pakistani businesses, exporters, and SMEs. The Forum will also expand outreach to Eastern European countries where emerging demand for Pakistani goods has been observed.

President FPCCI further stated that the Forum will maintain structured interaction with Pakistan’s Missions in European Capitals, as well as European Missions in Pakistan, to facilitate enhanced business networking, policy coordination, market access support, and trade promotion initiatives.

FPCCI emphasized that the Forum’s activities will also focus on SME capacity-building, export diversification, trade facilitation awareness, and leveraging the EU’s GSP+ preferential access arrangements to unlock new opportunities for Pakistani exporters.

Membership of the Pakistan-EU Business Forum is open to CEOs, Managing Directors, Directors, General Managers, and Proprietors, as well as members of FPCCI Trade Bodies and Business Councils with EU countries, including women entrepreneurs and exporters.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh invited existing members to renew their membership and encouraged professionals and business leaders interested in new membership to submit the prescribed application form along with required documents by 16 February 2026.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh reaffirmed FPCCI’s commitment to deepening Pakistan-EU trade and economic relations and urged the business community to actively participate in the Forum’s activities to benefit from expanding opportunities in European markets.