ISLAMABAD, 29 October 2026—The ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI), under the Chairship of the Philippines, commenced its two-day official outreach to Karachi on 29 October 2026 with substantive engagements involving Pakistan’s business community, university students and academic institutions, aimed at strengthening ASEAN–Pakistan cooperation in trade, investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
The ASEAN delegation was led by Philippine Ambassador and ACI Chair H.E. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, together with Malaysian High Commissioner H.E. Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, Myanmar Ambassador H.E. Wunna Han, Thai Ambassador H.E. Rongvudhi Virabutr, Indonesian Ambassador H.E. Lt. General (R) Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo, and Brunei Darussalam which was represented by Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Hj. Khairurrijal Hazim, while Viet Nam was represented by Ms. Nguyen Thi Diep Ha, Head of the Viet Nam Trade Office in Karachi.
The outreach was organized under the Philippine Chairship of the ACI in coordination with the Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Karachi, headed by Dr. Imran Yousuf, and the respective host institutions.
Strengthening Business and Economic Cooperation
The delegation’s first engagement was the Pakistan–ASEAN Business Roundtable at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), under the theme “Navigating Our Future Together.”
The Roundtable brought together ASEAN diplomatic representatives, officials of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, FPCCI leadership, and members of Pakistan’s business community to explore opportunities for expanding trade, investment, market access, industrial cooperation, and private-sector partnerships.
FPCCI Senior Vice President Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon welcomed the delegation, while Mr. Hanif Gohar, Head of FPCCI’s Diplomatic Committee, presented proposals for strengthening institutional and commercial cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN Member States.
Among the principal proposals discussed were the establishment of a permanent Pakistan–ASEAN Business Forum or Council, sector-specific working groups, a digital business-to-business platform, reciprocal business delegations, and increased participation in trade exhibitions across Southeast Asia.
Discussions identified possible cooperation in agriculture and food processing, halal industries, textiles, information technology, digital services, manufacturing, logistics, and technology transfer. Participants also addressed challenges involving business visas, air connectivity, product standards, regulatory procedures, banking arrangements, and access to reliable commercial partners.
Representatives of ASEAN Member States shared their respective countries’ experiences and perspectives on economic diversification, investment facilitation, trade promotion, and opportunities for closer commercial engagement with Pakistan.
Speaking as ACI Chair, Ambassador Fernandez emphasized the importance of translating diplomatic goodwill into practical business connections. During the interactive discussion, he proposed that FPCCI designate a focal person to consolidate commercial inquiries and coordinate with relevant ASEAN diplomatic missions, which could help establish contacts with appropriate industry associations and prospective partners.
FPCCI’s Diplomatic Committee expressed willingness to facilitate institutional follow-up and convey the Roundtable’s recommendations to relevant Pakistani authorities and ASEAN counterparts.
Engaging Pakistan’s Academic Community and Youth
In the afternoon, the ASEAN delegation participated in the ASEAN–Pakistan Academic and Youth Engagement at the State Guest House in Karachi, organized in cooperation with Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Liaison Office and the Philippine Honorary Consulate General.
Mr. Muhammad Irfan Soomro, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Liaison Office in Karachi, welcomed the delegation and highlighted the importance of educational exchanges, academic cooperation, and greater interaction between ASEAN and Pakistan’s younger generations.
Ambassador Fernandez encouraged students to embrace inquisitiveness, innovation, and hope, emphasizing that young people could contribute actively to shaping international relations by questioning established approaches, exploring new ideas, and building connections beyond national boundaries.
Other ASEAN diplomatic representatives shared their respective experiences in regional cooperation, diplomacy, educational and professional development, scholarship programs, technological innovation, and international exchanges.
During the interactive dialogue, students raised questions concerning ASEAN Centrality, regional integration, Pakistan’s relationship with ASEAN, educational opportunities, and how international cooperation could deliver tangible benefits to ordinary citizens.
The discussions also generated proposals for more sustained academic engagement. A faculty representative suggested regular policy dialogues, student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research, and cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence.
Philippine Honorary Consul General Dr. Muhammad Imran Yousuf shared his personal experience of receiving a scholarship to study computer science in the Philippines, illustrating the lasting value of educational exchanges in building professional and people-to-people connections between countries.
Ambassador Fernandez likewise highlighted the importance of citizen diplomacy, noting that students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals could contribute to international understanding through education, digital communication, and cross-border professional networks.
Diplomatic Fellowship
The day’s engagements concluded with a dinner at Sajjad Restaurant in Karachi, hosted by Ambassador Fernandez and Mme. Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez for the ASEAN delegation and invited guests.
The first day of the ACI’s official outreach demonstrated the value of extending diplomatic engagement beyond Islamabad and fostering direct connections among businesses, educational institutions, and young people.
Under the Philippine Chairship, the activities provided opportunities to identify practical avenues for strengthening ASEAN–Pakistan cooperation through trade, investment, academic exchanges, and sustained people-to-people engagement. END
