Irish Ambassador visits Sialkot chamber to promote bilateral trade and business cooperation

The Ambassador of Ireland to Pakistan, Her Excellency Mary O’Neill, visited the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI)

SIALKOT: The Ambassador of Ireland to Pakistan, Her Excellency Mary O’Neill, visited the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and held an interactive session with the local business community to discuss opportunities for enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Ireland.

The Ambassador was welcomed by SCCI President Syed Ahtesham Mazhar, who highlighted the strong trade relationship between the two countries and noted that bilateral trade has reached approximately 700 million euros. He emphasized the need to further strengthen commercial ties through direct business-to-business (B2B) linkages, exchange of trade delegations, and the signing of a cooperation agreement with an Irish chamber of commerce. He also underscored the export potential of Sialkot’s key industries, including sports goods, surgical instruments, textiles, and leather products.

Addressing the gathering, H.E. Mary O’Neill praised Sialkot’s internationally renowned entrepreneurial spirit and self-help industrial model. She noted that a wide range of traditional Irish sports products, including hurling balls and Gaelic footballs, as well as musical instruments, are manufactured in Sialkot. The Ambassador further remarked that several major Irish retailers source products from the city, reflecting the confidence of international markets in Sialkot’s manufacturing capabilities.

She highlighted Ireland’s position as a leading high-tech economy and described the country as an attractive gateway for Pakistani businesses seeking access to the European market of more than 350 million consumers. She encouraged greater collaboration between businesses from both countries to explore new trade and investment opportunities.

The meeting also featured a presentation by Dr. Mariam Noman, President of the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sialkot (WCCIS), who discussed initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering female entrepreneurs. During the session, SCCI Vice President Salman Sheikh proposed the introduction of regular online B2B matchmaking meetings to facilitate direct engagement between business communities in Pakistan and Ireland. The proposal received strong support from the Irish delegation.

The event concluded with an exchange of corporate souvenirs and a vote of thanks delivered by SCCI Senior Vice President Mohammad Murad Arshad. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and expanding trade relations between Pakistan and Ireland.