Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met Ambassador of Netherlands HE Robert-Jan Siegert for detailed discussions on how to promote trade, investment, agriculture, water management, climate change, technological collaboration and public linkages. Welcoming the Ambassador on his recent appointment, she expressed best wishes and reaffirmed Punjab’s commitment to advancing cooperation with the Netherlands.
Both sides also agreed to enhance Dutch support in higher education, technical training, water management, education and research. She lauded presence of Dutch companies in Pakistan, terming it a strong reflection of investors growing confidence in Pakistan’s stable economic and fiscal policies.
She also appreciated global reputation of Dutch expertise in water governance and flood management. Expressing a desire to resume direct air connectivity, she said the Ambassador’s introductory visit symbolizes moving forward of bilateral relations in a positive direction.
Chief Minister highlighted that Pakistan and Netherlands share development-oriented objectives, adding that Netherlands remains Pakistan’s second-largest European trading partner. She noted that the Punjab government offers a highly conducive environment for investors. She added that Dutch advancements in agriculture and food technology align closely with Punjab’s development goals and agricultural strategy. She underscored that partnership with Netherlands could be transformative, especially in improving potato yields. She also praised Dutch “Room for the River” initiative as a model for the world, expressing Punjab’s interest in formulating a comprehensive cooperation in this area as well. She noted that Dutch collaboration could significantly benefit major provincial initiatives such as ‘Suthra’ Punjab, Smart Irrigation and Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
CM Maryam Nawaz highlighted Punjab’s desire to strengthen links with Dutch universities so as to promote joint research programmes. She added that participating Dutch business delegations at Pakistan’s major trade fairs TEXPO and FoodAg were encouraging signs of growing economic engagement. She underscored that strengthening ties with Netherlands will further boost trade, investment and tourism. She flagged that Punjab seeks a broad and robust economic partnership with Netherlands, adding that the country stands as a global example in innovation, agricultural technology and sustainable development.