Pakistani, South Korean companies sign six B2B MoUs: Second round of CEPA talks to be held soon: Jam

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has said the second round of negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Pakistan and the Republic of Korea is expected to be held soon, which would further strengthen bilateral economic ties.

Addressing the Pakistan-Korea Trade and Investment Conference in Seoul through video link as chief guest, the minister said the first round of CEPA negotiations had been successfully concluded and the second round was expected shortly.

He said finalisation of the agreement would open new avenues for Pakistani exporters and provide a further boost to bilateral economic cooperation.

Jam Kamal urged business communities in both countries to use the conference platform to establish concrete commercial partnerships ahead of the conclusion of the CEPA.

The conference brought together more than 170 Pakistani and Korean businessmen and resulted in the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between companies from the two countries.

The event was held against the backdrop of ongoing CEPA negotiations and was attended by 91 Korean and 82 Pakistani businessmen, including members of the Pakistani diaspora in Korea and representatives of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Officials of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) briefed participants on Pakistan’s export potential in textiles and apparel, leather goods, surgical and sports goods, agro-food products, minerals and IT services.

During business-to-business sessions, Pakistani companies represented by Sialkot, Gujranwala and other chambers of commerce signed six MoUs with their Korean counterparts covering salt, cosmetics, and oil and sesame seed trade.

The MoUs are expected to provide a foundation for the respective companies to conclude definitive commercial agreements.

The conference was organised with the support of the Pakistan Business Association of Korea (PBA) and the Embassy of Pakistan in Seoul.

The Commercial Wing of the Embassy will continue to serve as the focal point for facilitating Korean investors and trading partners, according to the participants. It was also announced that a second Pakistan-Korea Trade and Investment Conference is planned to be held in Seoul in March 2027 to build on the momentum generated by the current conference and progress towards conclusion of the CEPA.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026