ISLAMABAD - All is set to launch Pakistan-EU strategic dialogue from June 4-6, in Islamabad in order to provide for modalities to implement the Pakistan-EU Five-Year Engagement Plan concluded in January 2012.

Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar will lead Pakistani side while Baroness Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission will arrive soon.
The strategic dialogue is being launched in pursuance of the decision taken at the First Pakistan-EU Summit held in 2009.
Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with the EU and enjoys excellent relations with all EU member countries.
The EU is Pakistan’s single largest trading partner accounting for 25 per cent of our total exports and 11 pc of total imports.
Bilateral Trade in 2011 stands at US$ 10.56 billion, with exports at US$ 6.18 billion and imports at US$ 4.38 billion. Investment from the EU during 2010-11 was to the tune of over US$ 230 million.
Baroness Ashton’s visit will provide an opportunity to reiterate Pakistan’s interest for inclusion in the GSP and early implementation of the package of Autonomous Trade Preferences (ATPs) for Pakistan.
The visit of Lady Ashton will further enhance the existing relations between the EU and Pakistan.
During her stay in Islamabad, Baroness Ashton would call on the Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.