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Punjab invites French firms into agriculture, industry and infrastructure as Maryam Nawaz seeks stronger trade ties and French backing for Pakistan’s GSP+ access to EU markets, under PIVOT now.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has invited French companies to invest in the province’s agriculture, livestock and industrial sectors, pitching the Punjab Innovation, Value Addition and Economic Transformation (PIVOT) initiative as a route to expanded commercial cooperation. The invitation came during a meeting with newly appointed French Ambassador to Pakistan Jean-Noël Poirier in Lahore on Saturday.
The two sides discussed ways to strengthen Pakistan-France relations through trade, investment and industrial partnerships, with a focus on building direct links between Punjab and French institutions. Maryam said greater engagement with French companies could create opportunities for industrial development, technology transfer and economic growth.
The chief minister identified food processing, dairy production and cold-chain facilities as areas where French expertise could help modernise agriculture and increase the value of Punjab’s produce. She also invited French firms to explore the Urban Wastewater Governance Project planned for major cities, including opportunities in water supply, sewerage, wastewater treatment and solid-waste services through public-private partnerships.
Renewable energy and infrastructure also featured in the discussions. Maryam pointed to potential investment in solar power, electricity grids and energy-efficiency projects in industrial estates, while French institutions could support technical training and workforce skills development through industrial clusters under PIVOT.
The meeting also addressed Pakistan’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status and its importance for exporters. Maryam described preferential access to European Union markets as a “lifeline” for Pakistan’s exports, particularly textiles, garments, sports goods and leather products, which are important to Punjab’s industrial base.
She stressed that France’s support would matter in protecting Pakistan’s trade interests in the EU and maintaining preferential access under the new GSP+ framework. According to the chief minister, Pakistan’s exports to the European Union reached approximately $8.96 billion in 2025-26, making continued engagement with the bloc commercially significant.
Maryam also acknowledged France’s €180 million loan for transmission lines and grid stations being developed by the National Transmission and Despatch Company in Punjab. The funding, she said, was contributing to the province’s energy infrastructure.
Ambassador Poirier invited the chief minister to visit France to explore ways to expand bilateral trade and economic relations. Maryam welcomed the invitation, while both sides reaffirmed their commitment to sustained diplomatic engagement and cooperation in areas of shared economic and development interest.
