FPCCI urges proactive engagement with ASEAN nations

Business Recorder reported that Atif Ikram Sheikh, president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), called for a more commercially driven relationship with ASEAN nations. Speaking at the ASEAN Day 2026 commemoration held at Federation House in Karachi, he pointed to trade, investment, joint ventures and technology cooperation as priority areas. He said the bloc's growing economic weight opens considerable room for Pakistani exporters and investors.

Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, pointed to a large untapped potential in Pakistan-ASEAN economic ties and promoted a planned Pakistan-ASEAN Business Council as a platform for business-to-business cooperation. Sectors singled out for cooperation included textile manufacturing, information technology, food processing, farming, refrigerated storage, engineering, two-wheeler vehicles, tourism, fishing and the marine economy. Speakers also stressed better air and sea links to support business travel, tourism and cargo movement.

Hanif Gohar, a former SVP of FPCCI, urged that existing cordial diplomatic ties be turned into commercial partnerships through wider participation in exhibitions and regular contact between chambers. ASEAN diplomats and representatives of JETRO and KOTRA also described market opportunities, and the event closed with agreement on sustained business engagement. FPCCI said it would keep working with diplomatic missions and business bodies.