DPM Calls for Stronger Pak-Norway Trade, Investment Ties

Islamabad: Pakistan and Norway have agreed to undertake steps to enhance their relations and cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, education, defense, climate change, information technology, and maritime affairs. An understanding to this effect was reached during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide in Islamabad today.

According to Radio Pakistan, in a joint press stakeout, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that Pakistan greatly values its relations with Norway and looks forward to further strengthening them. He noted that both sides agreed that their bilateral trade is below the potential of the two economies and emphasized the need to enhance it through effective measures.

Ishaq Dar highlighted that Pakistan offers significant investment opportunities to Norwegian companies. He mentioned that Yara International, a renowned Norwegian company, is establishing a joint venture in plant nutrition with Fauji Fertilizer Company in Pakistan. He expressed hope that this initiative would pave the way for many more future projects between the two countries.

The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that the technology partnership with Norway is a success story and noted a five-fold increase in Pakistan’s IT exports to Norway. He added that both sides have agreed on the expeditious finalization of various agreements and MOUs between the two countries.

He expressed gratitude to Norway’s maritime authorities for their support in capacity building and providing technical training for Pakistan’s shipbreaking industry. Additionally, he mentioned that both countries have agreed to enhance people-to-people contacts, with labor mobility being a key area of discussion. The two sides agreed to continue work on legal pathways for Pakistan’s skilled manpower.

Ishaq Dar also briefed the Norwegian Foreign Minister on the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute, highlighting India’s unilateral actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. He reiterated that India must end the weaponization of water and uphold its treaty obligations.

In his remarks, the Norwegian Foreign Minister stated that the partnership between Pakistan and Norway is strong. He commended Pakistan’s important and constructive role during the recent Iran-US conflict, acknowledging the efforts of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.