Karachi: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) is preparing to welcome a 60-member business delegation from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on April 21, 2025, as announced by FPCCI President, Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh. The gathering is set to take place at the FPCCI Head Office in Karachi.

The ASEAN bloc, comprising nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei, will participate in a meeting followed by a Business-to-Business (B2B) session. This platform is intended to foster direct dialogue and potential business ventures between Pakistani and ASEAN entrepreneurs.

The delegation includes leading figures from various industries, including textiles, apparel, agriculture, fisheries, food, beverages, and more. The aim is to reinforce trade links and uncover business opportunities between Pakistan and ASEAN countries.

Mr. Sheikh pointed out that while Pakistan has established trade agreements like the Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia and a Preferential Trade Agreement with Indonesia, trade with ASEAN countries has yet to reach its full potential. He noted that Pakistan is currently negotiating an FTA with Thailand and a PTA with Vietnam.

Addressing the trade imbalance, Mr. Sheikh highlighted the $11 billion trade deficit with ASEAN nations and emphasized the potential advantages of investing in Pakistan. He noted the country's strategic location and available workforce as key incentives for ASEAN investors to establish manufacturing units targeting markets in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Western China.

The visit by the ASEAN delegation is anticipated to create new opportunities for economic collaboration. As part of reciprocal initiatives, FPCCI plans to participate in ASEAN-related trade promotion activities in Indonesia in August 2025.