Pakistan and ASEAN Countries Agree to Boost Bilateral Trade and Investment

Islamabad: Pakistan and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to enhance bilateral trade and investment cooperation, marking a new phase in regional economic engagement.

The development came during a high-level meeting between **ASEAN ambassadors** and Pakistan’s **Ministry of Commerce** in Islamabad. The talks, facilitated by the **Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC)**, focused on expanding economic partnerships and creating new avenues for collaboration.

Under the SIFC’s guidance, Pakistan presented its **new trade policy and tariff reforms**, inviting ASEAN companies to invest in **CPEC Special Economic Zones (SEZs)**.

Minister for Commerce **Jam Kamal Khan** emphasized that technology transfer and agricultural value addition would unlock new business opportunities in Pakistan. He added that Pakistan aims to serve as a **gateway to Central Asia**, offering ASEAN nations expanded access to regional markets.

During the meeting, **Malaysia’s ambassador** also invited Pakistani companies to invest in the **semiconductor industry**, highlighting mutual opportunities for innovation and industrial cooperation.