GUJRANWALA, 3 February 2026—Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez was among the distinguished awardees at the GBC Excellence Awards, hosted by the Gujranwala Business Centre (GBC) to recognize contributions to diplomacy, industry, and international cooperation. Ambassador Fernandez was accompanied by his spouse, Mme. Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez, and the Embassy’s Third Secretary and Vice Consul Rain Mendoza.

The awards ceremony gathered diplomats, leading industrialists, and representatives of chambers of commerce and academia, and recognized individuals and institutions that have advanced bilateral relations, trade promotion, and economic collaboration with Gujranwala and Pakistan.

Ambassador Fernandez received the GBC Excellence Award in recognition of his role in promoting Philippines–Pakistan economic engagement, particularly in encouraging trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. His participation underscored the Philippine Embassy’s commitment to building long-term partnerships with Pakistan’s dynamic industrial sectors, including Gujranwala’s globally competitive SMEs.

Gujranwala is one of Pakistan’s leading industrial hubs, with over 21,000 SMEs and exports valued at approximately USD 2.5 billion across sectors such as ceramics, sanitary fittings, electrical goods, agricultural machinery, metals, textiles, and rice. The event highlighted the GBC’s role in export promotion and international business connectivity through initiatives such as “Made in Gujranwala” and global trade partnerships.

Following the awards ceremony, the GBC hosted an exclusive networking session with Ambassador Fernandez, attended by selected business leaders from sectors including metals, agribusiness, packaging, construction materials, home appliances, IT services, and logistics. Discussions focused on export opportunities to the Philippines, potential joint ventures, market-entry strategies, and the advantages of Philippine economic zones and ASEAN market access.

Ambassador Fernandez encouraged interested firms to coordinate with the Philippine Embassy for targeted business matchmaking and noted upcoming opportunities for structured engagement, including the Philippines–Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting and the possibility of Philippines-bound business delegations later in the year.

The recognition of Ambassador Fernandez at the GBC Excellence Awards reflects the shared commitment of the Philippine Embassy and the Gujranwala Business Centre to deepen bilateral trade, expand institutional linkages, and translate diplomatic engagement into practical, results-oriented economic cooperation benefiting both countries.