Chairman Senate Underscores Strong Pakistan-Portugal Ties, Invites Portuguese Investment
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 19th Aug, 2026) Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, Paulo Miguel Guedes Dominguez, on Wednesday discussed bilateral relations, trade and investment, parliamentary cooperation, and people-to-people contacts.
During a meeting with the ambassador, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani stated that Pakistan attaches great importance to its longstanding and friendly relations with Portugal and seeks to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various sectors including trade, investment, agriculture, IT, education, culture, and the blue economy.
The chairman highlighted the growing bilateral trade and noted there is significant potential to expand economic relations by exploring new opportunities. He extended an invitation to Portuguese companies and investors to explore Pakistan’s emerging economic and business landscape and forge mutually beneficial partnerships.
Gilani also discussed the role of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), emphasizing its importance as a platform for promoting peace, security, and development in the region. He acknowledged the contribution of the Pakistani community in Portugal, stating that approximately 50,000 Pakistanis reside and work there, serving as a vital bridge between the two nations.
The Chairman of the Senate expressed hope for an early conclusion to the Agreement on Labour Mobility Partnership, which would establish a framework for enhanced cooperation in the labour and human resource development sectors. He further stressed the need for increased collaboration between Pakistani and Portuguese universities through student and faculty exchanges, as well as joint research programs.
He expressed appreciation for Portugal’s continuous support for Pakistan’s GSP Plus status and hoped that high-level exchanges and regular bilateral consultations would strengthen relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Paulo Miguel Guedes Dominguez thanked the Chairman of the Senate for his warm welcome and expressed Portugal’s interest in strengthening bilateral ties with Pakistan, particularly in trade, investment, and economic cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to closer engagement and mutually beneficial cooperation to further deepen Pakistan-Portugal relations.
