Vast potential to enhance Pakistan–ASEAN trade: LCCI PresidentTourism conference emphasizes strengthening regional cooperation

By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry hosted the ASEAN Trade & Tourism Conference, bringing together diplomats and business leaders to explore avenues for strengthening regional economic cooperation.
The conference was presided over by LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol. Among the distinguished participants were Ambassador of Indonesia Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo, Ambassador of Thailand Rongvudhi Virabutr, High Commissioner of Malaysia Dato Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah, Ambassador of the Philippines Dr. Emmanuel Fernandez, and Ambassador of Myanmar Wunna Han, along with LCCI office-bearers and business community representatives.
Addressing the conference, Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol highlighted the importance of ASEAN as a major regional bloc with a combined GDP of around $4 trillion. He noted that while ASEAN countries’ exports exceed $1.6 trillion, Pakistan’s exports to the region remain limited at approximately $1.37 billion.
He pointed out that barriers such as complex quality certifications, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and import permit requirements are restricting trade, stressing that easing these hurdles could significantly boost Pakistan’s exports of halal meat, agricultural products, and pharmaceuticals.
He further observed that high import tariffs in several ASEAN countries are limiting Pakistan’s textile and leather exports, and emphasized the need for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), improved air and sea connectivity, relaxed visa policies, and joint tourism promotion initiatives. He also underscored Pakistan’s growing potential in the IT sector, calling for increased digital services exports to ASEAN markets.
Ambassador Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo described ASEAN as a rapidly growing consumer market of 680 million people and highlighted Indonesia as a $1.4 trillion economy and a member of the G20, maintaining steady economic growth while focusing on food and energy security, renewable energy, and digital transformation.
High Commissioner Dato Mohammad Azhar Mazlan noted that regional tensions involving the United States, Iran, and Israel have affected businesses, adding that Malaysia supports Pakistan’s economic policies and has declared the current year as “Visit Malaysia Year,” inviting Pakistani tourists.
Brunei’s High Commissioner Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah emphasized Brunei’s strategic importance and investment opportunities in petrochemicals, tourism, food processing, manufacturing, and IT sectors.
Ambassador Wunna Han highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Myanmar, particularly in agriculture and gemstone trade.
Thai Ambassador Rongvudhi Virabutr expressed optimism about a forthcoming Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Thailand and Pakistan, which could reduce tariffs significantly and boost bilateral trade, while also stressing the need for simplified customs procedures.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Fernandez highlighted Philippines’ strengths in skilled workforce and exports of electronics, machinery, and steel, along with its focus on pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and the digital economy.
The conference concluded with a strong call for enhanced trade ties, improved connectivity, and deeper tourism cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN countries, aiming to unlock the vast untapped potential of the region.