WNAM REPORT: The Ambassador of Thailand to Pakistan has stated that there are vast opportunities to enhance trade, tourism, and economic cooperation between Pakistan, Thailand, and the ASEAN region. By effectively utilizing these opportunities, not only can the bilateral trade volume be doubled, but regional connectivity can also be significantly strengthened.
He expressed these views during a meeting with Zafar Bakhtawari, Chairman of the Pakistan-ASEAN Friendship Association, and other business and social figures. The meeting featured a detailed discussion on bilateral trade opportunities, investment, logistics, visa policies, tourism, and collaboration in various sectors.
The ambassador noted that the current bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Thailand stands at USD 1.1 billion, with the potential to increase up to USD 2.2 billion. He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the trade volume between the two countries had reached USD 1.8 billion, which clearly demonstrates that avenues for cooperation remain open.
Emphasizing the importance of free trade agreement the Thai ambassador said that his country is seriously interested in establishing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Pakistan. Such an agreement would help elevate trade and investment between the two nations to new heights. He also suggested to increase direct flights and relaxing visa policies between Pakistan and Thailand to further boost business and tourism ties.
Zafar Bakhtawari,secretary General UBG, said during the meeting that Pakistan is now in a position to play a significant economic role in the region, and enhancing relations with ASEAN countries is the need of the hour. He stressed the importance of linking Pakistan with ASEAN countries through direct air connectivity to open new dimensions in public and business-level engagements.
He added, “We consider all countries that maintain direct air links with us as our best friends. We deeply respect all those nations that continued air connectivity with Pakistan even during the most challenging times, and we wish to enhance our trade, economic, and investment ties with them.”
Referring to ASEAN, he said, “In my view, the ASEAN Regional Forum is even more effective than the European Union, as its member countries share stronger mutual relations, connectivity, respect, and commitment to development and prosperity, making it a global model.” He added that Pakistan is a member of Asean Regional Forum and sectoral partner and desire Thailand’s support in helping Pakistan become a full dialogue partner. “
On this occasion, Ahsan Bakhtawari noted that recent reductions in Pakistan’s interest rate have created a more favorable investment environment. He urged Thai and Pakistani investors to capitalize on emerging economic opportunities through digital platforms and joint ventures.
Rabia Raheel, a member of the Pakistan-ASEAN Friendship Association, proposed collaborative workshops and creative projects in the field of interior design. Waqar Bakhtawari emphasized the need to expand bilateral cooperation in the food industry, while Chaudhry Muhammad Ali identified the construction sector as a key area where joint efforts could lead to sustainable development between the two nations.
