KARACHI: Syed Naveed Qamar, the Federal Minister for Commerce and Investment, said on Thursday that the Netherlands is Pakistan’s second-largest trade partner in the European Union (EU) and a major investor in the country’s numerous industries.

According to a press release issued here, he stressed the importance of strong trade and investment cooperation in Pakistan-Netherlands bilateral relations.

The minister spoke with stakeholders from the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+), including Dutch officials, enterprises, trade associations, and civil society organisations, while in The Hague.

The minister met with Paul Huijts, Secretary General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He emphasised that Pakistan and the Netherlands had strong relations built on mutual respect, trust, and shared interests.

Since the scheme’s beginning in 2014, Pakistan’s exports to the Netherlands have climbed by 103 percent, while the Netherlands’ exports to Pakistan have increased by 107 percent, according to Naveed Qamar.

He expressed the expectation that the new GSP Plus rule would continue to focus on the basic pillars of the programme, which are to support sustainable development, poverty eradication, and good governance in beneficiary countries.

The two countries’ economic ties have been steadily improving, which has been recognised by both parties. The Secretary General praised the overall favourable trajectory of bilateral relations, which included significant development in bilateral trade.

Huijts expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its assistance and support in the Netherlands’ exit from Afghanistan.

Naveed Qamar then spoke at a conference on Pakistan’s trade and investment prospects and compliance system, which was attended by Dutch firms, investors, trade groups, civil society/non-governmental organisations, and Pakistani companies doing business in the Netherlands.

He updated the audience on major milestones in the implementation of GSP Plus standards.

He also talked about trade and investment potential, as well as possible collaboration opportunities between Dutch and Pakistani enterprises.

He asked Dutch firms to look into potential opportunities in agricultural, dairy, water management, maritime, and clean energy in Pakistan.

The minister spoke with Pakistani media at the end of his visit and gave information of his meetings and activities in The Hague.