By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: November 18 — A Belgian Catalogues Exhibition was organized at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), jointly organized by Ambassador of Belgium Charles Idesbald Van Der Gracht, LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, and Vice President Khurram Lodhi. Catalogues of over 100 leading Belgian companies, representing aeronautics, construction, pharmaceuticals, IT, food, environment, steel, logistics, petrochemicals, medical sciences, and other major sectors were showcased for LCCI members and the business community.
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Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Van Der Gracht said that less than a year after his first visit to LCCI, he had witnessed remarkable developments in Pakistan. He noted that the country had endured political protests, wars, terrorism, floods, and pollution—yet continued to show exceptional resilience. “This country, which a year ago was almost rescued from a potential bankrupt, is now on the full path to stabilization. One can ask, after all you’ve been through in one year—how is this possible?” he remarked.
The Ambassador added that despite being based in Islamabad, his visits across provinces had shown him the strength and resilience of Pakistani people and business community.
He appreciated Pakistan’s trade surplus with Belgium and stressed the importance of the GSP+ facility, adding that Belgium was working to improve visa processing. “Over the last three years, we have doubled the number of visas issued. Last year, we welcomed nearly 400 Pakistani students—both men and women—to Belgium,” he noted, emphasizing deeper collaboration in education, business, and investment.
Earlier, LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol warmly welcomed the Ambassador and the Belgian Trade Commissioner. He appreciated the Embassy’s partnership with LCCI in organizing the exhibition linked with the Belgian Business Contact Day. He said that the display would help the domestic business community explore opportunities with more than 100 Belgian companies from vital industrial sectors.
He highlighted that Belgium holds a key position in global economic systems as a founding member of the EU and home to major international bodies including NATO and the European Commission. Pakistan and Belgium, he said, have remained steady trading partners. Citing SBP data, he said bilateral trade reached 739 million dollars in 2024–25, with Pakistan exporting 543 million dollars worth of goods—mainly textiles, rice, garments, hosiery and tobacco—while importing 195 million dollars of pharmaceuticals, machinery, polymers, electronic equipment, and steel waste.
The Ambassador reiterated Belgium’s commitment to support economic cooperation, encourage business linkages, and bolster people-to-people exchanges.
The LCCI President further expressed hope that this initiative will not remain limited to catalogue displays. “We would like to see regular exchange of trade delegations to further enhance trade and investment ties,” he said.
Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh said such exhibitions provide a vital platform for Pakistani and Belgian companies to explore partnerships, understand technologies, and identify investment prospects. Vice President Khurram Lodhi added that the Belgian Embassy’s continued engagement with LCCI would help strengthen bilateral economic relations and open new avenues of cooperation.
