ISLAMABAD, Portuguese Ambassador to Pakistan Paulo Miguel Guedes Dominguez met Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The meeting took place at Gilani’s residence in Ministers’ Enclave.
The two sides discussed Pakistan-Portugal relations, trade, investment, parliamentary cooperation and people-to-people contacts.
Pakistan Seeks Stronger Economic Ties
Gilani said Pakistan attaches great importance to its longstanding relations with Portugal.
He called for stronger cooperation in several areas.
These include trade, investment, agriculture, information technology, education, culture and the blue economy.
The Senate chairman also highlighted the growth in bilateral trade.
He said both countries have significant potential to expand economic ties.
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Gilani Invites Portuguese Investors
Gilani invited Portuguese companies and investors to explore Pakistan’s growing business opportunities.
He said stronger investment links could create mutually beneficial partnerships.
Pakistan wants to attract investment in emerging sectors of its economy.
The two countries can also explore new areas of cooperation through regular business engagement.
Parliamentary Cooperation Discussed
The Senate chairman also highlighted the importance of parliamentary cooperation.
He referred to the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) as an important platform.
Gilani said the conference can help promote peace, security and development in the region.
He called for greater engagement between the parliaments of Pakistan and Portugal.
Pakistani Community in Portugal
Gilani also praised the contribution of Pakistanis living and working in Portugal.
He said around 50,000 Pakistanis currently live in the country.
The Senate chairman described the Pakistani community as an important bridge between the two nations.
He also called for greater cooperation in labour and human resource development.
Pakistan Seeks Labour Mobility Agreement
Gilani expressed hope that Pakistan and Portugal would conclude their Agreement on Labour Mobility Partnership soon.
He said the agreement would create a framework for greater cooperation in labour-related matters.
The two countries also discussed cooperation between universities.
Gilani proposed greater student and faculty exchanges.
He also encouraged joint research programmes between Pakistani and Portuguese universities.
Portugal Supports Pakistan’s GSP Plus Status
Gilani appreciated Portugal’s continued support for Pakistan’s GSP Plus status.
He said high-level visits and regular bilateral consultations could further strengthen relations.
Portugal’s support remains important for Pakistan’s trade access to the European market.
Portugal Shows Interest in Pakistan
Ambassador Paulo Miguel Guedes Dominguez thanked Gilani for the warm welcome.
He expressed Portugal’s interest in expanding bilateral relations with Pakistan.
The ambassador placed particular emphasis on trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to closer engagement.
They also agreed on the importance of mutually beneficial cooperation to further strengthen Pakistan-Portugal relations.
