Karachi: Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, has apprised that the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) is set to host a high-profile business delegation of 60 members of different sectors from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on April 21, 2025, at its Head Office in Karachi.
President FPCCI continued that the ASEAN comprises an alliance of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei. The meeting will be followed by a special B2B session; providing a platform for Pakistani businessmen to engage with their ASEAN counterparts and explore potential business opportunities.
Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh added that the ASEAN delegation comprising prominent businessmen from various sectors – textiles, apparel, agriculture, fisheries, food, beverages, carpets, footwear, construction, insurance, information technology, oil, handicrafts, jewelry, cosmetics, perfumes, healthcare, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, coffee beans, green coffee, electronics, fruits and spices – aims to strengthen trade relations and explore business opportunities between Pakistan and ASEAN countries.
Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh explained that the relations between Pakistan and ASEAN are multidimensional and have grown significantly over the years due to mutual trust, cooperation, and cultural linkages. He has invited all stakeholders and business leaders to join the B2B session with the ASEAN delegation to be hosted by FPCCI.
FPCCI Chief noted that trade relations between Pakistan and ASEAN countries are below potential; and, highlighted Pakistan’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Malaysia and Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Indonesia.
President FPCCI also mentioned ongoing negotiations for an FTA with Thailand and PTA with Vietnam – stressing the fact that Pakistan’s cumulative trade deficit with ASEAN countries stands at $11 billion and needs to be addressed.
Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasized incentives to invest in Pakistan; country’s abundant workforce; and strategic location – making it an ideal hub for ASEAN investors to establish manufacturing units for marketing products in the Middle-east; Central Asia and Western China.
ASEAN delegation’s visit is expected to open new avenues for economic cooperation; and, moreover, FPCCI will reciprocate the endeavors by participating in forthcoming ASEAN-related trade promotion activities in Indonesia in August 2025.
