Report: ANI Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD — The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) hosted an ASEAN Day celebration on Tuesday, bringing together ambassadors, diplomats and business leaders to discuss stronger trade and investment cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN countries.
Philippine Ambassador and ASEAN Committee Chair Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez urged businesses and chambers to convert economic opportunities into practical partnerships. ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said the next phase of Pakistan-ASEAN relations should focus on trade, investment, technology and business-to-business cooperation.
Former ICCI President Zafar Bakhtawari said Pakistan’s trade with ASEAN was around $10 billion, with significant potential for expansion, and called for Pakistan to be granted full dialogue partner status with ASEAN.
Brunei High Commissioner Colonel (R) Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah said Brunei was conducting a feasibility study to bring its national airline to Pakistan, which could improve connectivity and boost trade and tourism.
Envoys from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar and Malaysia also stressed greater market access, trade facilitation and private-sector engagement. Indonesia invited Pakistani businesses to the Trade Expo Indonesia 2026, while Malaysia highlighted agriculture, textiles, IT, tourism, renewable energy and manufacturing as key areas for cooperation.
The event concluded with the cutting of an ASEAN Day cake and presentation of shields to participating ambassadors and heads of mission.
