Pakistan Urges ASEAN Countries to Boost Mutual Investments

Islamabad: Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has emphasized the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to collectively work on reducing trade barriers, diversifying export baskets, and encouraging mutual investments in sectors such as textiles, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT, and energy.

According to Radio Pakistan, Hussain addressed a ceremony in Islamabad, highlighting the significant progress ASEAN countries have made in innovation and vocational training. He suggested that Pakistan could benefit immensely by collaborating with ASEAN in technology transfer and youth skill development.

The Minister underscored Pakistan’s geostrategic location and diverse industrial base, positioning the country as an ideal partner for ASEAN economies seeking new markets, raw materials, and strategic partnerships. He also mentioned that Pakistan can serve as a gateway to Central Asia and the Middle East through CPEC, while ASEAN can strengthen connections with East Asia and the Pacific.

Rana Tanveer Hussain advocated for promoting people-to-people contact and simplifying visa regimes to open doors for tourism, academic exchanges, and joint cultural initiatives, which would further enhance bilateral goodwill. He remarked that ASEAN is not only a driving economic bloc but also a region with which Pakistan shares deep-rooted historical, cultural, and strategic ties.

In his remarks, Minister for Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh, stated that Pakistan offers tremendous opportunities for investment to ASEAN countries. He assured that the government is committed to protecting investors’ interests by simplifying business and investment regulations in the country.