In a significant move to bolster economic ties, the Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, Jakob Linulf, engaged in a productive meeting with Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan. The discussion, held in Islamabad, centered around avenues to enhance bilateral trade and investment, underscoring the growing economic cooperation between the two nations.
Minister Khan expressed optimism about Pakistan’s economic trajectory, emphasizing the country’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with Denmark. He highlighted his upcoming visit to Denmark as a pivotal moment in deepening relations and fostering collaboration across various sectors. A key focus of this visit will be discussions with APM Terminals, a subsidiary of Maersk, regarding the development of a green deep-water container terminal in Karachi. This project, under the Pakistan-Denmark Government-to-Government (G2G) Framework, aims to modernize Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure and promote sustainable practices.
The minister also underscored the importance of the upcoming EU Business Forum, scheduled for June 14-15 in Islamabad. This forum is expected to generate substantial business opportunities and enhance economic collaboration between Pakistan and European Union countries, including Denmark. The event will provide a platform for Danish businesses to explore Pakistan’s green initiatives and investment opportunities, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Pakistan’s agricultural sector, while rich in potential, currently lags in innovation and mechanization. Minister Khan extended an invitation to Danish businesses to invest in this sector, highlighting the potential for Denmark’s advanced technology to drive modernization. This collaboration could significantly boost Pakistan’s agricultural productivity and efficiency, aligning with the country’s broader economic goals.
The meeting comes at a time when Pakistan and Denmark have witnessed a remarkable increase in bilateral trade. In the first eight months of FY 2024-25, trade volume surged by 31%, reaching $285.99 million. Pakistan’s exports to Denmark grew by 27% to $207.40 million, while imports from Denmark rose by 42% to $78.59 million. This balanced and expanding trade relationship reflects the mutual benefits and growing economic synergy between the two countries.
Denmark’s support for Pakistan’s GSP+ status within the EU has been instrumental in facilitating Pakistan’s preferential access to European markets. This support, coupled with Denmark’s participation in Pakistan’s premier Food and Agriculture Exhibition in 2024, marks a significant milestone in expanding Denmark’s engagement in Pakistan’s agri-business sector.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to strengthening trade ties through strategic engagements, sustainable investments, and mutual cooperation. As Pakistan and Denmark continue to explore new avenues for collaboration, the stage is set for long-term economic prosperity and a deeper, more resilient partnership.
