BRUSSELS, (Special Correspondent) – Ambassador of Pakistan to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg Rahim Hayat Qureshi held a special meeting with Chairman of the Pak-Benelux Overseas Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hafiz Unib Rashid at the Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels.

During the meeting, Hafiz Unib Rashid appreciated Ambassador Qureshi’s diplomatic services and particularly lauded his efforts to project Pakistan’s positive image in Brussels, the European diplomatic capital, through various events and initiatives.

The two sides discussed ways to increase Pakistan’s exports and enhance the participation of the Pakistani diaspora in Europe in this process.

Ambassador Qureshi informed Hafiz Unib Rashid that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is scheduled to organise FoodAg 2026 in Karachi in November. The event will showcase Pakistan’s agricultural and food products as well as value-added industries.

In this regard, Hafiz Unib Rashid assured the Ambassador that a meeting of the Chamber’s members would soon be convened, with the Embassy’s Trade Section also invited to provide guidance and facilitate participation in the event.

The meeting also stressed the need for stronger coordination between the Pak-Benelux Overseas Chamber and the Embassy’s Trade Section to improve the exchange of information with Pakistani businessmen operating in Europe and help promote non-traditional exports from Pakistan.

Hafiz Unib Rashid appreciated the Embassy’s diplomatic efforts under the leadership of Ambassador Rahim Hayat Qureshi to promote and sustain Pakistan’s trade benefits through GSP+, as well as its effective engagement with the Pakistani community in Belgium and the wider Benelux region.

He further proposed enhancing coordination between the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and business communities belonging to the Pakistani diaspora. He said such measures could help address difficulties in the domestic logistics and supply chain system for export products, thereby strengthening confidence among overseas Pakistani investors and traders.

Hafiz Unib Rashid also informed Ambassador Qureshi that a dedicated communication platform titled “Tarkeen-e-Watan News” had been established to encourage the active participation of the Pakistani diaspora in Pakistan’s economic development. He said the platform would help keep overseas Pakistanis informed about economic opportunities and promote greater interaction and joint activities among members of the diaspora.

Responding to the proposals, Ambassador Rahim Hayat Qureshi assured that the Embassy of Pakistan would continue to extend its full cooperation to all efforts by the diaspora aimed at increasing Pakistan’s trade and exports.

Economic Minister at the Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels Umar Hameed and Press Counsellor Sagheer Anwar Watto were also present during the meeting.