ISLAMABAD, 21 May 2026 —Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, led the Philippine Embassy delegation in an Interactive Meeting with the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Business Community held at the ICCI Office Building in Islamabad on 21 May 2026.

Ambassador Fernandez was joined by Ms. Rain R. Mendoza, Third Secretary and Vice Consul, and Mr. Shujaat Ali Umer, Economic Diplomacy Assistant. The Philippine delegation was warmly received by ICCI President Mr. Sardar Tahir Mehmood, alongside ICCI Vice President Mr. Muhammad Irfan Chaudhry, Senior Vice President Mr. Tahir Ayub, and other officers, former presidents, and members of the ICCI business community.

The engagement served as a platform for dialogue between the Philippine Embassy, Pakistani business leaders, media representatives, and industry stakeholders on opportunities for strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and institutional cooperation between the Philippines and Pakistan.

Discussions highlighted Pakistan’s growing interest in expanding economic engagement with ASEAN markets and explored ways for the Philippines to position itself as a strategic gateway to ASEAN, a partner in regional value chains, and a destination for trade and investment diversification.

Key sectors identified for possible cooperation included agri-food and halal products, ICT and IT-BPM services, renewable energy, education and skills development, tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, and light industry.

The meeting also underscored the value of strengthening business-to-business (B2B) linkages, trade facilitation initiatives, and chamber-to-chamber cooperation between ICCI and Philippine business organizations, MSME support institutions, and sectoral associations.

Ambassador Fernandez emphasized the Philippine Embassy’s commitment to advancing economic diplomacy initiatives that promote inclusive growth, expand market opportunities, and strengthen people-to-people and business-to-business connectivity between the Philippines and Pakistan.

He likewise highlighted the importance of sustained engagement with Pakistan’s private sector and business institutions in promoting long-term cooperation, investment facilitation, and regional economic integration.

The meeting forms part of the Philippine Embassy’s continuing efforts to deepen economic relations with Pakistan and enhance the Philippines’ commercial visibility in South Asia through active engagement with key business stakeholders and institutions. END