ISLAMABAD, 7 May 2026—Ambassador Emmanuel R. Fernandez held a courtesy meeting with representatives of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) to discuss opportunities for expanding bilateral trade, investment, and business-to-business cooperation between the Philippines and Pakistan. The Ambassador was accompanied by Vice Consul Rain Mendoza and the Philippine Embassy’s economic assistant, Mr. Shujaat Ali Umer.
The RCCI delegation (led by its President, Mr. Usman Shaukat) outlined plans to organize a focused business delegation to the Philippines composed of approximately 20–30 representatives from key sectors, including pharmaceuticals, furniture, auto parts, agriculture, processed and halal foods, construction materials, gemstones, cosmetics, and tourism services. The delegation is envisioned to engage in targeted business-to-business (B2B) meetings and regulatory discussions with relevant Philippine agencies and private sector counterparts.
Both sides discussed the importance of aligning the proposed visit with major Philippine trade and industry events, including sectoral expos in pharmaceuticals, furniture, and food products, to maximize business matching opportunities and market exposure. The Embassy emphasized the value of structured engagement with Philippine regulators and industry stakeholders to facilitate greater market access and investment linkages.
Pharmaceuticals, furniture, and food products were identified as priority sectors with strong potential for expansion. RCCI representatives highlighted existing export experience in pharmaceuticals and expressed interest in exploring joint ventures, distribution partnerships, and potential local manufacturing arrangements in the Philippines. Other areas of interest include auto parts, halal food products, gemstones, cosmetics, and tourism-related services.
The Embassy noted that increased engagement with Pakistani exporters and investors could support supply chain diversification, enhance consumer choice, and contribute to greater resilience in Philippine import markets. Opportunities for technology transfer, skills development, and possible local value-added production were also discussed.
The meeting likewise underscored the importance of facilitating business mobility, regulatory dialogue, and improved market understanding through pre-departure briefings and structured business matching initiatives.
Both sides agreed in principle to continue coordination on the proposed delegation, including timing, sectoral focus, and preparatory arrangements, with a view to ensuring concrete and outcomes-oriented engagements.
The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to advancing economic diplomacy initiatives that promote inclusive growth, deepen bilateral trade relations, and foster stronger people-to-people and business linkages between the Philippines and Pakistan. END
