Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has called for concrete measures to strengthen economic and trade relations between Pakistan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Speaking at an interactive session hosted by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Islamabad, the Minister underscored the importance of deepening ties with ASEAN to unlock mutual economic potential.
The session was attended by ASEAN diplomats, senior officials, and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including trade and business representatives. Rana Tanveer Hussain acknowledged that while Pakistan and ASEAN share long-standing cultural and strategic ties, the level of trade between the two sides remains significantly below capacity. He highlighted ASEAN’s significance as a regional bloc, with a population of over 700 million and a collective GDP exceeding 3.9 trillion dollars, calling it an essential partner for Pakistan’s global trade strategy.
The Minister proposed collaborative efforts to lower trade barriers and improve mutual market access. He emphasized that sectors such as textiles, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, and IT offer substantial opportunities for bilateral and multilateral investment. He pointed out that economic cooperation in these areas could be strengthened through technology transfer, skills development, and vocational training initiatives tailored to the region’s evolving needs.
In addition to trade and investment, Rana Tanveer Hussain stressed the role of people-to-people connections in building stronger regional cooperation. He encouraged the promotion of tourism and cultural exchanges, facilitated through simplified and streamlined visa procedures. According to the Minister, soft connectivity initiatives can serve as a foundation for building mutual trust and more comprehensive economic partnerships.
He also pointed to Pakistan’s strategic geographical position as a gateway to Central Asia and the Middle East, suggesting that ASEAN member states could benefit from enhanced connectivity through Pakistan’s transport and logistics corridors. This, he noted, would support the creation of stronger inter-regional supply chains and trading links.
Calling for tangible progress beyond declarations, the Minister invited stakeholders to work towards establishing joint ventures and academic exchange programmes that can yield real economic and social value. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to collaborate with ASEAN on initiatives that promote shared prosperity and regional resilience.
The event concluded with broad consensus among participants on the need for practical steps to enhance Pakistan–ASEAN engagement. Discussions reflected optimism about expanding cooperation in multiple sectors and leveraging regional synergies to boost economic ties.
