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 said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its longstanding and friendly relations with Portugal and desires to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, IT, education, culture and the blue economy. The chairman highlighted the growing bilateral trade and said there was considerable potential to further expand economic relations by exploring new opportunities. He invited Portuguese companies and investors to explore Pakistan's emerging economic and business potential and forge mutually beneficial partnerships. Gilani also highlighted the role of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference. He said that ISC is an important platform to promote peace, security and development in the region. The Chairman of the Senate also appreciated the contribution of the Pakistani community in Portugal, noting that around 50,000 Pakistanis are living and working there. He said the community serves as an important bridge between the two countries and emphasised the need to enhance cooperation in labour and human resource development. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed hope for the early conclusion of the Agreement on Labour Mobility Partnership, saying it would provide a framework for greater cooperation in this important area. He also stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation between Pakistani and Portuguese universities through student and faculty exchanges and joint research programmes. He appreciated Portugal's continued support for Pakistan's GSP Plus status and expressed the hope that high-level exchanges and regular bilateral consultations would further deepen relations between the two countries. The Ambassador Paulo Miguel Guedes Dominguez thanked the Chairman of the Senate for the warm welcome and expressed Portugal's keen interest in strengthening bilateral relations with Pakistan, particularly in trade, investment and economic cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to closer engagement and mutually beneficial cooperation to further strengthen Pakistan-Portugal relations.