Karachi: President FPCCI Atif Ikram Sheikh has advocated for a strategic effort to enhance Pakistan's trade and investment relations with Eastern Europe, identifying the region as a promising market with significant opportunities for Pakistani exporters and businesses.

According to Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh emphasized that while Pakistan's exports to Eastern Europe increased from US$740 million in FY2024 to US$758 million in FY2025, the overall trade volume remains limited considering the region’s economic potential. Imports from Eastern Europe declined during the same period, resulting in a total merchandise trade of approximately US$1.46 billion in FY2025.

Sheikh highlighted various Eastern European countries, including Romania, Poland, and Hungary, as potential markets for Pakistani products and services. He stressed the need for Pakistan to reduce its focus on traditional European markets and develop new business linkages with emerging destinations.

The FPCCI President identified several sectors, such as textiles, apparel, and pharmaceuticals, that could benefit from market opportunities in Eastern Europe. He announced the establishment of the FPCCI EU Forum to facilitate interactions with European chambers of commerce and business associations.

Sheikh proposed initiatives such as Pakistan-Eastern Europe Business Forums and participation in major European exhibitions to strengthen trade and investment partnerships. He emphasized Eastern Europe's strategic importance as a gateway to the wider European Union and supply chains.

The FPCCI is committed to converting potential opportunities into concrete commercial prospects through collaboration with relevant institutions and the business community, according to Sheikh.