Pakistan, Vietnam Revive Trade Ties at 5th Joint Trade Commission Meeting in Hanoi
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Vietnam have taken a significant step toward strengthening economic relations by holding the fifth session of the Pakistan-Vietnam Joint Trade Commission (JTC) in Hanoi after an eight-year pause. The high-level meeting signals renewed efforts to deepen bilateral trade and unlock untapped potential between the two nations.
The session was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Additional Secretary for Commerce, Nasir Hamid, and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Phan Thi Thang. The signing of the agreed minutes was witnessed by Pakistan’s Commerce Minister, Jam Kamal Khan, and Vietnam’s Industry and Trade Minister, Nguyen Hong Dien.
🤝 Key Highlights from the Trade Commission Meeting
The two countries reviewed the current trade landscape and outlined future cooperation in multiple areas, including:
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Trade facilitation and market access
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Textile and garment industry development
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Fisheries and Halal certification standards
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Civil aviation, healthcare, and banking cooperation
A major outcome was the agreement to initiate negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in 2025, which both sides believe will boost mutual market access and economic integration.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with both countries committed to hosting the sixth session of the JTC in Pakistan at a mutually agreed date.
🌍 Strategic Talks Between Commerce Ministers
In a separate bilateral meeting, Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Minister Nguyen Hong Dien explored ways to enhance trade diversification, reduce barriers, and promote investments across sectors. The talks were marked by a spirit of partnership and shared economic vision.
Key discussion areas included:
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Joint ventures and private sector engagement
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Trade cooperation in textiles, agriculture, IT, and energy
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Strengthening pharmaceutical and Halal-certified exports
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Expanding banking and logistics support
🚀 Economic Opportunities and Regional Connectivity
Pakistan’s commerce minister emphasized the country’s strategic location and proposed regional connectivity projects that could give Vietnam access to Central Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
In return, Vietnam expressed strong interest in:
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Increasing imports of Pakistani rice, textiles, and leather goods
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Welcoming Pakistani investment in its manufacturing and tech sectors
Both sides recognized the importance of removing trade bottlenecks and reaffirmed their commitment to fast-tracking negotiations for a future PTA.
🧭 The Road Ahead
The fifth JTC meeting represents a major revival of economic diplomacy between Pakistan and Vietnam. With enhanced institutional engagement and trade-focused dialogue, both nations aim to boost bilateral trade volumes, create new export opportunities, and foster long-term economic collaboration.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Pakistan-Vietnam partnership continues to evolve.
