ISLAMABAD, 8 September 2026—The ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI), under the Chairship of the Philippines, joined leaders and members of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) for an ASEAN Day celebration aimed at strengthening business and economic ties between Pakistan and Southeast Asia.
The event brought together the Heads of Mission and representatives of the seven ASEAN Member States represented in Islamabad—Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam—with members of Pakistan’s business community.
ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood welcomed the ASEAN delegation and emphasized the need for Pakistan and ASEAN to develop more structured and continuous business engagement.
He identified opportunities in sectors including textiles, halal products, agriculture and food processing, pharmaceuticals, information technology, artificial intelligence, fintech, tourism, logistics, renewable energy, engineering and the digital economy.
Speaking on behalf of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, H.E. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines and current ACI Chair, said ASEAN–Pakistan relations were increasingly becoming a relationship not only between governments but also among businesses, institutions, communities and peoples.
Ambassador Fernandez highlighted the relevance of the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future Together,” to businesses facing rapid technological change, evolving supply chains, climate-related challenges and new patterns of international trade.
Rather than focusing solely on what Pakistan can sell to ASEAN or ASEAN can sell to Pakistan, Ambassador Fernandez encouraged both sides to ask a more forward-looking question: what can ASEAN and Pakistan build together?
He urged chambers, companies and entrepreneurs to translate diplomatic goodwill into partnerships, joint ventures and new businesses.
Representatives of the other ASEAN Missions also shared their respective perspectives on expanding economic engagement with Pakistan.
Brunei Darussalam highlighted the importance of connectivity; Viet Nam discussed expanding chamber and business contacts and ongoing trade negotiations; Indonesia emphasized trade diversification and private-sector participation; Thailand highlighted trade facilitation and investment conditions; and Malaysia pointed to opportunities in food, agriculture, health industries, textiles, technology, tourism, renewable energy and manufacturing.
The celebration also provided an opportunity for direct interaction and networking between ASEAN diplomatic representatives and members of the Pakistani business community.
The ACI and ICCI expressed their shared interest in continuing practical engagements that can strengthen trade, investment, connectivity and business-to-business cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN. END
