Latest news with #RiinaKionka
Express Tribune
19-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
EU envoy calls on commerce minister
Listen to article The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Pakistan, Dr Riina Kionka, called on Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan to discuss strengthening bilateral trade ties and upcoming business engagements between the EU and Pakistan. During the meeting, Kionka invited the commerce minister to deliver closing remarks at the European Union-Pakistan Business Forum (EU-PKBF), scheduled for May 14-15, 2025, in Islamabad. The forum aims to facilitate high-level dialogue, strengthen business partnerships, and unlock trade and investment opportunities between the EU and Pakistan. It will feature investment presentations, B2B and B2G matchmaking sessions, and focus on key sectors such as agribusiness, IT, machinery, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and green infrastructure. Another key highlight of the discussion was the launch of the EU-Pakistan Business Network (EUPBN) during the forum. This network, comprising more than 300 EU companies operating in Pakistan, will serve as a unified voice for European businesses, fostering investment and trade relations. The commerce minister welcomed these initiatives and appreciated the EU's role in supporting economic cooperation. He acknowledged that the growing engagement between Pakistan and the EU will create stronger business ties and new investment opportunities. The EU is Pakistan's second-largest trading partner and primary export destination, accounting for around 12 billion in bilateral trade in 2024. The EU-Pakistan Business Forum will further deepen the long-standing economic and diplomatic partnership between Pakistan and the European Union.
Express Tribune
14-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
EU envoy calls on FinMin
Listen to article EU Ambassador Dr Riina Kionka called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday to discuss ways to enhance business and investment ties between the European Union and Pakistan. During the meeting, they explored opportunities for European businesses in Pakistan, emphasising the need for an enabling investment climate. Kionka noted that the EU had mapped over 300 European companies operating in Pakistan, with many more believed to be present. She invited the minister to a business and investment forum the EU Mission in Pakistan plans to host in Islamabad in mid-May 2025. The forum aims to foster collaboration and attract European business investment. She highlighted that European companies increasingly view Pakistan as a potential business hub. Senator Aurangzeb welcomed the initiative and assured his full support. He expressed his intention to attend the event, reaffirming the government's commitment to facilitating EU businesses, including ensuring the timely repatriation of dividends and profits. He also endorsed creating a proactive business platform for European companies, citing his recent engagement with French and Dutch firms in Pakistan. The minister appreciated the EU's support, particularly the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP Plus), crucial for Pakistan's export growth.
Express Tribune
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Eurovillage offers visitors taste of diverse cultures
ISLAMABAD: The EuroVillage was an expansive funfair bringing Team Europe and flavours of European culture, food and music to Islamabad. With thousands of attendees gathering for family entertainment, the PNCA, where the event was hosted, was packed, with barely breathing room in front of each of the stalls. The Ambassador of the European Union, Dr Riina Kionka, said, "We celebrate the diverse cultures and identities that enrich Europe, forming the foundation of our shared values and our relations with the world, including Pakistan. Together, we are stronger, and our partnership in development, trade, and political engagement reflects this commitment." The slogan of the event was "Stronger Together", in all its connotations. As always – this being the 6th edition of the EuroVillage in the capital – each member state of the EU showcased some distinctive attributes of their heritage or culture, sharing them with the public through fun games, quizzes, bite-sized samples of the cuisine and more. The EuroVillage festival was co-organised by the diplomatic missions of the European Union alongside those of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, and Spain. The Ambassador of France, Nicolas Galey, said, "Eurovillage is an event that celebrates Europe in its diversity. It is also a popular festival and a meeting with our Pakistani friends. The French stand is happy to share iconic products with Pakistanis, such as cheese or croissants! It is also an occasion to present the opportunities for learning the French language and studying in France, opportunities that we wish to make better known in Pakistan, with the aim of always bringing our populations closer together, our youth in particular!" The Austrian Embassy shared the best of Austria's rich cultural heritage, culinary delights and innovative spirit. The Austrian pavilion created an unforgettable experience of Austrian hospitality as visitors were treated to an array of delicious Austrian delicacies, including the iconic Apfel Strudel, traditional Austrian cookies and Goulash, with a neighbouring stand creating Red Bull mocktails. The German embassy stall also brought a taste of German traditional food to visitors, but the highlight was the Football Wall, a popular German game where participants aimed to score through two goal holes in the wall. This activity attracted many enthusiastic youngsters, who showcased their football skills with great excitement. Poland went a different, and brilliant direction, highlighting the importance of social unity and role of women in science, business, culture, art and sports, by showing pictures of outstanding Polish women including, Maria Curie and Wanda Rutkiewicz, who was the first woman to climb K2 and a recipient of the Sitara-e Imtiaz.
Express Tribune
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Festival brings European culture to Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: Thousands of participants gathered at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) on Saturday to enjoy the vibrant "EuroVillage" festival, organised by the Delegation of the European Union in collaboration with the EU Member States. The event provided a unique opportunity for the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi to immerse themselves in European culture and heritage through music, food, and interactive experiences. In her welcome remarks, the Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, Dr Riina Kionka noted, "We celebrate the diverse cultures and identities that enrich Europe, forming the foundation of our shared values and our relations with the world, including Pakistan. Together, we are stronger, and our partnership in development, trade and political engagement reflects this commitment." In its sixth edition, EuroVillage offered an afternoon of culture, music and culinary delights. The festival featured a variety of engaging activities, including information displays from the EU and Member States, live performances, fun games and an array of food options. Visitors had the chance to connect with the Team Europe, learn about the diverse areas of collaboration between the European Union and Pakistan. The festival also showcased the positive impact of the EU on Pakistani communities. Attendees explored development cooperation booths, where beneficiaries shared personal stories illustrating how EU initiatives enrich their lives. This hands-on engagement emphasised the message that the EU and Pakistan are "Stronger Together" through their partnership. The event also featured live performances by both European and Pakistani artists and performers, including Farhan Saeed. The EuroVillage festival was co-organised by the diplomatic missions of the European Union alongside those of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and others.
