Pakistan is facing a staggering trade deficit with Kuwait exceeding $1.5 billion, prompting business leaders to position the upcoming Kuwait-Pakistan Business Expo 2025 as a critical platform to address the imbalance and significantly boost national exports.
The significant trade disparity was a central topic at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) today, where a visiting Kuwaiti delegation announced the three-day business exposition scheduled for December 11-13, 2025, in Kuwait. Data from the State Bank of Pakistan reveals that for the 2024-25 period, Pakistani exports to Kuwait stood at a mere $113 million against imports, primarily petroleum products, amounting to $1.68 billion.
Muhammad Saleem, head of the four-member Kuwaiti delegation, stated that the expo is a major opportunity for Pakistani entrepreneurs to showcase their potential and fortify their presence in the Gulf region. He emphasized the historic and amicable relations between the two nations and urged their respective business communities to explore joint ventures to unlock mutual trade and investment potential.
LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol, in his welcome address, expressed optimism that the expo would serve as a catalyst for change. He acknowledged that the current balance of trade heavily favors Kuwait but believed the event could create new avenues for joint ventures and trade diversification. “Through stronger partnerships and mutual understanding, both countries can achieve a balanced, win-win trade relationship that benefits their economies and strengthens bilateral ties,” Mr. Saigol remarked.
Mr. Saigol identified immense potential to increase Pakistan’s exports in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, sports goods, auto parts, construction materials, and IT services. He also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in Halal food, mining, healthcare, education, renewable energy, and tourism.
A significant untapped opportunity, according to the LCCI President, lies in the global Halal food industry, valued at over $5 trillion. He pointed out that Pakistan”s share in this massive market remains less than one percent, despite being a Muslim-majority country with vast agricultural resources. He stressed that a focus on Halal certification and branding could substantially expand the country”s exports.
LCCI Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh described the forthcoming exposition as a golden chance to reinforce business-to-business connections. He assured the delegation that the LCCI would play a proactive role in promoting the event to its more than 46,000 member firms through its extensive communication network to ensure maximum participation from Pakistani businesses.
The meeting was also addressed by Vice President Khurram Lodhi, delegation members Mohammad Siraj, Nadeem Virk, and Sylvester Sam, with several LCCI Executive Committee members in attendance. Mr. Lodhi concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to fostering robust trade and investment relations between Pakistan and Kuwait.