Pakistan and Vietnam Aim to Boost Trade Ties

Pakistan and Vietnam have reached a consensus to commence discussions on a Pakistan–Vietnam Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in 2025. Both countries have placed emphasis on strengthening institutional and commercial connections to foster sustainable trade expansion.

The subject of trade was addressed during the 5th session of the Pakistan–Vietnam Joint Trade Committee (JTC) in Hanoi, marking the reactivation of this institutional platform after an eight-year interval.

The meeting was co-chaired by Nasir Hamid, Additional Secretary of Commerce, and Phan Thi Thang, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet Nam. The signing of the agreed minutes was attended by Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan, and Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam.

The Committee assessed the present condition of bilateral commerce and defined future collaboration in essential domains, encompassing trade facilitation, market entry, textiles, fisheries, Halal certification, civil aviation, healthcare, and banking infrastructure.

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan also engaged in a bilateral discussion with Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, with the objective of reinforcing economic partnership and investigating novel opportunities for commerce and investment between the two nations.

The high-level gathering was conducted with cordiality and collaboration, demonstrating the escalating economic and diplomatic connections between Pakistan and Vietnam.

Both parties reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing bilateral trade relations and addressed significant subjects, including trade diversification, market access, investment stimulation, and collaboration in industrial progress.

During the session, the two ministers underscored the necessity for improved business-to-business interactions, the encouragement of joint ventures, and cooperation in sectors such as textiles, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and energy.

Conversations also centered on diminishing trade obstacles and striving towards a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to streamline trade operations.

Minister Jam Kamal Khan emphasized Pakistan’s advantageous geographical position and proposed enhanced access for Vietnam to Central Asian and Middle Eastern marketplaces via regional connectivity initiatives.

Nguyen Hong Dien conveyed Vietnam’s intent to augment imports of Pakistani rice, textiles, and leather goods, and welcomed Pakistani investment in Vietnam’s manufacturing and technology industries.

The session was concluded with a mutual aspiration to elevate Pakistan-Vietnam bilateral trade capacity and to cultivate enduring economic alliance for the shared prosperity of both countries.