FPCCI Calls for Stronger Pakistan–ASEAN Trade and Investment Partnership Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI

Karachi: Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce
& Industry (FPCCI), has stressed upon a more proactive and commercially focused engagement
with ASEAN – emphasizing greater trade, investment, joint ventures, technology cooperation
and business-to-business linkages between Pakistan and ASEAN countries..

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, addressing the Commemoration of ASEAN Day 2026, organized by
FPCCI at Federation House, Karachi, 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.

Mr. 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.

Mr. Hanif Gohar, former SVP FPCCI, called for converting the existing cordial diplomatic
relations with ASEAN into stronger commercial partnerships. He emphasized 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. Mr. Masatomo Itonaga, Country Head JETRO and Mr. Sungwoon Hwang, Director
General KOTRA, also shared their insights on Asian markets, investment, technology and
business linkages.

Presentations were also made by Mr. Naseem Rashed, Trade and Investment Counsellor of
Pakistan for ASEAN; Mr. Nadar Ali Ghanghro, Malaysia External Trade Development
Corporation; and Ms. 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 organizations and relevant stakeholders for building a stronger, broader and mutually
beneficial Pakistan–ASEAN economic partnership.

Brig Iftikhar Opel, SI (M), Retd.

Secretary General