Maryam Invites French Investment in Punjab
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has invited French investment in Punjab, asking French investors to explore opportunities in agriculture, industry and livestock through the Punjab Innovation, Value Addition and Economic Transformation (PIVOT) initiative. She made the pitch in Lahore during a meeting with the new French Ambassador to Pakistan, Jean-Noel Poirier.
The chief minister met the ambassador to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing trade and investment, and expanding industrial cooperation between Punjab and France. She warmly welcomed him on his arrival in Lahore, congratulated him on assuming his new diplomatic responsibilities, and appreciated his diplomatic services.
During the meeting, both sides discussed opportunities to enhance economic, commercial and investment cooperation between Pakistan and France, with a focus on developing stronger provincial-level partnerships with Punjab. French investment in Punjab, in the chief minister’s framing, would go beyond a single deal. It would build a working partnership between French companies and Punjab’s farms, factories and livestock sector.
French investment in Punjab: what PIVOT covers
PIVOT, the Punjab Innovation, Value Addition and Economic Transformation initiative, is the vehicle for the invitation. Its name points to the three areas Maryam highlighted: agriculture, industry and livestock.
In agriculture, value addition means processing crops in Punjab rather than shipping raw produce out. In industry, it means new plants, new technology and new jobs. In livestock, it means better breeding, processing and export of animal products. French companies bring experience in all three areas, from food processing to farm machinery, and the chief minister’s argument is that Punjab offers the scale to make that experience pay.
The ambassador invited the chief minister to visit France to explore opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and economic relations. Maryam thanked him for the invitation and expressed her interest in strengthening commercial and industrial ties between the two sides. A visit, if it takes place, would let Punjab’s team pitch projects directly to French firms and regions, rather than relying on embassy channels alone.
Why GSP+ came into the talks
The meeting also focused on Pakistan’s GSP+ European Union preferential trade status and its significance for the country’s exports and industrial economy. The chief minister described the arrangement as a lifeline for Pakistan’s exports, particularly for Punjab’s textile, garments, sports goods and leather industries, which depend heavily on access to European markets.
She stressed that France’s support was important for safeguarding Pakistan’s trade interests within the EU and maintaining preferential access for Pakistani products. She said alignment with the requirements of the new GSP+ framework was essential for securing the country’s export prospects.
The numbers show why this matters for Punjab. Maryam noted that the EU was Pakistan’s largest trading partner, with exports to the bloc reaching $8.96 billion in 2025-26. A large share of those exports comes from Punjab’s factories and workshops, from Faisalabad textiles to Sialkot sports goods. Losing preferential access would raise costs for those exporters overnight, and would put jobs at risk in cities that depend on export orders.
Feature Pakistan has reported on Pakistan’s GSP+ trade ties in Pakistan Germany GSP Plus Trade. The French talks add a second European voice to that story, and France’s weight inside the EU makes its support valuable when trade terms come up for review.
What this means for Punjab’s farmers and workers
For Punjab’s farmers, the invitation matters if it turns into processing plants near the fields. A French food-processing unit in an agricultural district would cut transport costs, reduce spoilage, and give growers a buyer close to home. For livestock farmers, better processing could open export markets that raw animals cannot reach.
Who did Maryam Nawaz meet in Lahore?
She met Jean-Noel Poirier, the new French Ambassador to Pakistan, to discuss trade, investment and industrial cooperation between Punjab and France.
What is PIVOT?
PIVOT is the Punjab Innovation, Value Addition and Economic Transformation initiative, through which Maryam invited French investors into agriculture, industry and livestock.
Why did the talks cover GSP+?
GSP+ gives Pakistan preferential access to EU markets. Maryam called it a lifeline for exports, noting EU exports reached $8.96 billion in 2025-26, and said France’s support matters for keeping that access.
What happens next after the meeting?
The ambassador invited Maryam to visit France to explore trade opportunities, and she expressed interest in strengthening commercial and industrial ties. Concrete projects and agreements will show whether the invitation turns into investment.
