FPCCI Calls For Stronger Pakistan-ASEAN Trade, Investment Partnership
FPCCI (Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry) president Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasized the need for a more proactive engagement with ASEAN on Monday, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, joint ventures, technology cooperation, and business-to-business linkages between Pakistan and ASEAN countries. He made these remarks at the ASEAN Day 2026 commemoration organized by FPCCI in Karachi under the theme "Strengthening Pakistan-ASEAN Trade, Investment, and Economic Partnership."
The event gathered Consul Generals and diplomats from ASEAN member states, representatives from ASEAN Dialogue and Sectoral Dialogue partner countries, Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, FPCCI Business Council chairmen, prominent business leaders, and international trade promotion organizations such as JETRO and KOTRA.
Ikram highlighted the growing economic importance of ASEAN and its vast opportunities for Pakistani exporters and investors. He advocated for strengthening direct interaction between Pakistan’s private sector and ASEAN through business delegations, exhibitions, B2B meetings, and institutional linkages.
Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, noted the significant untapped potential in Pakistan-ASEAN economic relations and FPCCI’s initiatives to promote cooperation in trade, investment, and joint ventures. He also stressed the importance of improved air and maritime connectivity for facilitating business, tourism, and cargo movement.
Hanif Gohar, former SVP FPCCI, emphasized stronger commercial partnerships with ASEAN through better coordination between the private sector and market-oriented business cooperation.
ASEAN diplomatic representatives shared insights on market opportunities in their respective countries, encouraging Pakistani businesses to explore greater trade and investment cooperation. Country Head JETRO Masatomo Itonaga and Director General KOTRA Sungwoon Hwang provided their perspectives on Asian markets, investment, technology, and business linkages.
Presentations were also given by Trade and Investment Counsellor of Pakistan for ASEAN Naseem Rashed, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation’s Nadar Ali Ghanghro, and Technical Advisor for ASEAN Countries, Pharmaceutical Industry (Philippines), Maria Eugenia, highlighting specific market and sectoral opportunities for Pakistani businesses.
The event concluded with a consensus on the need for sustained business-to-business engagement, increased trade and investment, joint ventures, participation in exhibitions, and stronger institutional cooperation to translate the longstanding Pakistan-ASEAN relationship into tangible economic benefits.
