PM Shehbaz calls for expanded Pakistan

Pakistan – Austria partnership :

VIENNA, Feb 16 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called for a new phase of economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation between Pakistan and Austria while addressing the Austrian cabinet and senior government officials in Vienna.

Speaking to Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, members of the Austrian government, and legislative representatives, Prime Minister Sharif conveyed warm greetings from the people of Pakistan and expressed appreciation for Austria’s continued engagement with Islamabad.

“It is a great pleasure to meet you again,” the prime minister said, recalling their discussions last year in New York. He noted that he had been particularly impressed by the Chancellor’s interest in strengthening bilateral ties.

Reflecting on earlier visits to Austria as a young tourist, Prime Minister Sharif spoke warmly of traveling to Salzburg, widely known as the birthplace of Mozart, and spending time in Vienna, where he experienced the country’s historic architecture and renowned coffee culture.

He also highlighted the importance of cultural cooperation in fostering goodwill between the two nations, referencing collaborative cultural initiatives supported by Austrian partners. Such efforts, he said, play a vital role in deepening people-to-people connections.

Pakistan – Austria partnership

Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that Pakistan is open for business and ready to embark on a new chapter in its partnership with Austria. He noted that his administration has taken significant steps to improve Pakistan’s investment climate and encouraged Austrian firms to explore the country’s vast economic potential across various sectors.

The prime minister also expressed sincere appreciation for Austria’s support within the European Union framework, particularly regarding the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP), which has facilitated Pakistani exports to European markets.

Prime Minister Sharif proposed expanding cooperation into newly emerging sectors. He identified skilled labor mobility, vocational training, and workforce development as key pillars for future collaboration.

He suggested structured pathways to allow qualified Pakistani professionals access to Austria’s labor market while jointly addressing the challenge of illegal migration through coordinated policies and legal channels.

Describing Pakistan as a country blessed with majestic mountains and breathtaking landscapes, the prime minister invited Austrian support and investment in tourism and infrastructure development.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Chancellor Stocker and members of the Austrian cabinet for what he described as constructive discussions. He expressed confidence that Pakistan–Austria relations would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead, anchored in trade, cultural exchange, and strategic partnership.

PM Shehbaz, Chancellor Stocker co-chair CEOs’ forum of renowned Austrian – Pakistani companies :

VIENNA, Feb 16 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria, Christian Stocker on Monday co-chaired a forum of CEOs of renowned Austrian and Pakistani companies here at the Federal Chancellery.

The companies represented at the CEOs Forum included those working in renewable energies, energy efficiency, industrial manufacturing and construction, IT, textiles, surgical equipment, leather and sports products, healthcare, tourism and hospitality and food and agro-industries.

In their remarks, both leaders highlighted the enormous potential to enhance trade, cooperation in AI and digital technology and other priority sectors.

The prime minister invited the Austrian businesses and companies to expand their investments in Pakistan, particularly in the priority sectors for win-win partnerships between the private sectors of both countries.

The prime minister also invited Austrian companies to visit Pakistan and participate in the upcoming EU-Pakistan Business Forum to be held in Islamabad in April this year.

Later, the prime minister addressed the Pakistan-Austria Business Forum, organized by the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, WKO.

PM terms Austria’s visit of special significance after three decades .

ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday termed his visit to Austria as of special significance, noting it was the first high-level visit in more than three decades and coincided with the 70th anniversary of Pakistan-Austria diplomatic relations.

In his message wrote on official X wall, the prime minister expressed his interaction with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker as his most warm and productive meeting.He added that both the sides reaffirmed their resolve to work together more closely to further strengthen the bilateral relationship in diverse fields including economic cooperation, trade and investment, tourism, hospitality, education, IT, healthcare and human resource development, and mobility.