ISLAMABAD, Oct 29 (APP): Romanian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Dan Stoenescu has emphasized expanding cooperation in IT, Artificial Intelligence, agriculture and education, saying vast potential exists to boost trade and investment.
The ambassador was speaking at the Meet the Press program during his visit to the National Press Club Islamabad. He also planted a sapling on the NPC lawn.
Ambassador Stoenescu said Pakistan-Romania relations span over six decades, based on mutual respect and constructive cooperation since diplomatic ties were established on October 15, 1964. Romania earlier contributed to Pakistan’s industrial development in oil, cement and fertilizer sectors.
He said bilateral trade stands at around $156 million, which does not reflect true potential. As an EU member and industrial hub, Romania can offer Pakistani businesses access to European markets.
He highlighted an MoU between Port of Constan?a and Karachi Port Trust in March 2026 for maritime connectivity, and an MoU between FPCCI and Bucharest Chamber in October 2025. A Pakistani business delegation visited Romania and a Pakistan-Romania Business Forum was held in Bucharest in October 2026.
On defence, he said four Offshore Patrol Vessels for Pakistan Navy were built at Damen Shipyards in Gala and scope exists in military education, medicine and disaster response. Emphasizing the importance of education, scientific research and technological innovation, the ambassador said that European programmes such as Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe could facilitate academic partnerships, research collaboration and institutional exchanges between Pakistani and Romanian universities, research centres and technology companies. He identified digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture as promising areas for joint research and development.
He said Romania regards Pakistan as an important partner in South Asia and wants to transform friendship into tangible results.NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial, Secretary Dr. Furqan Rao, Finance Secretary Abid Abbasi and senior journalists welcomed him.
Sial said Pakistan and Romania enjoy close ties with wide scope for cooperation in journalism, education, trade, IT and culture. Dr. Furqan Rao said the NPC is a representative body promoting press freedom, responsible journalism and international media linkages.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
