Pakistan, ASEAN: Diplomats, businessmen seek result-oriented economic partnership

Diplomats and business representatives in Islamabad used an ASEAN Day event on Tuesday to urge a more structured, outcomes-focused economic relationship between Pakistan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, according to Business Recorder. The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted the gathering, where speakers noted that Pakistan's trade with the bloc is around USD 10 billion yet has considerable room to expand. Participants also stressed stronger trade and investment links, wider market access and closer institutional cooperation.

Philippine Ambassador Dr Emmanuel R Fernandez, who chairs the ASEAN Committee, said the relationship now involves businesses, institutions and communities as well as governments. He argued that governments and embassies can open doors and chambers can bring the right people together, but companies must turn opportunities into partnerships. ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said lasting partnerships rest on trust and urged that future ties be shaped by trade, investment, technology and business-to-business deals.

Brunei's High Commissioner disclosed a feasibility study on bringing the country's national airline to Pakistan, which he said could improve connectivity, trade and tourism. Indonesia's ambassador backed turning the bilateral trade framework into a broader economic pact and said roughly 100 Pakistani firms had already sought places at the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia 2026, scheduled for October 14 to 18. The Thai ambassador called for tariff reforms and easier company registration and licensing.