KARACHI: Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), has asked for a more proactive and commercially focused engagement with ASEAN – emphasising greater trade, investment, joint ventures, technology cooperation and business-to-business linkages between Pakistan and ASEAN countries.
He, addressing the Commemoration of ASEAN Day 2026 organised by FPCCI at Federation House, under the theme “Strengthening Pakistan–ASEAN Trade, Investment and Economic Partnership” said that ASEAN’s growing economic significance offers substantial opportunities for Pakistani exporters and investors.
He stressed the need to strengthen direct interaction between the private sectors of Pakistan and ASEAN through business delegations, exhibitions, B2B meetings and institutional linkages.
Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, highlighted the considerable untapped potential in Pakistan–ASEAN economic relations and emphasized FPCCI’ s initiative for establishing the Pakistan–ASEAN Business Council as a dedicated platform for B2B cooperation, trade delegations, investment and joint ventures.
He identified textiles, IT, food processing, agriculture & value addition, cold storage, engineering, two-wheelers, tourism, fisheries and the blue economy as promising areas for cooperation.
He also emphasized the importance of improved air and maritime connectivity to facilitate business, tourism and cargo movement.
Hanif Gohar, former SVP FPCCI, called for converting the existing cordial diplomatic relations with ASEAN into stronger commercial partnerships.
He emphasised increased participation of Pakistani companies in ASEAN exhibitions, regular interaction between chambers and trade associations, and greater focus on joint ventures and market-oriented business cooperation.
The event was attended by Consul Generals and diplomats of ASEAN Member States, 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.
The ASEAN diplomatic representatives shared valuable perspectives on opportunities in their respective markets and encouraged Pakistani businesses to explore greater trade and investment cooperation.
Masatomo Itonaga, Country Head JETRO and Sungwoon Hwang, Director General KOTRA, also shared their insights on Asian markets, investment, and technology and business linkages.
Presentations were also made by Naseem Rashed, Trade and Investment Counsellor of Pakistan for ASEAN; Nadar Ali Ghanghro, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation; and Maria Eugenia, Technical Advisor for ASEAN Countries, Pharmaceutical Industry, Philippines, 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.
FPCCI reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with ASEAN diplomatic missions, business organisations and relevant stakeholders for building a stronger, broader and mutually beneficial Pakistan–ASEAN economic partnership.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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