Karachi: President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Atif Ikram Sheikh, Monday, stressed on a more proactive and commercially focused engagement with ASEAN, emphasizing greater trade, investment, joint ventures, technology cooperation and business-to-business linkages between Pakistan and ASEAN countries.
He was addressing the Commemoration of ASEAN Day 2026, organized by FPCCI at Federation House, Karachi, under the theme ‘Strengthening Pakistan-ASEAN Trade, Investment and Economic Partnership’, said a statement issued here.
The event was attended by Consul Generals and diplomats of member states of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), representatives of ASEAN Dialogue and Sectoral Dialogue partner countries, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chairmen of FPCCI Business Councils, prominent business leaders and representatives of international trade and investment promotion organizations, including JETRO and KOTRA.
Atif Ikram highlighted ASEAN’s growing economic significance and substantial opportunities for Pakistani exporters and investors and stressed the need to strengthen direct interaction between the private sectors of Pakistan and ASEAN through business delegations, exhibitions, B2B meetings and institutional linkages.
SVP FPCCI, Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, highlighted the considerable untapped potential in Pakistan-ASEAN economic relations as well as FPCCI’ s initiative for promoting cooperation in trade investment and joint ventures. He also emphasized the importance of improved air and maritime connectivity to facilitate business, tourism and cargo movement.
Former SVP FPCCI, Hanif Gohar, emphasized on stronger commercial partnerships with ASEAN through improved coordination among the private sector and market-oriented business cooperation.
The ASEAN diplomatic representatives shared valuable perspectives on opportunities in their respective markets and encouraged Pakistani businesses to explore greater trade and investment cooperation. Country Head JETRO Masatomo Itonaga and Director General KOTRA Sungwoon Hwang shared their insights on Asian markets, investment, technology and business linkages.
Presentations were also made 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 strong 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 opportunities.
