ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Vietnam have officially launched negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation. The announcement came during the Pakistan–Vietnam Business Forum and a high-level meeting held in Islamabad, where both sides signed a Joint Statement on the Launch of PTA Negotiations.
The signing marks a historic milestone in Pakistan–Vietnam relations, setting in motion a structured process to conclude the agreement by the end of 2025. The PTA will provide a framework for greater market access, tariff reductions, and the removal of non-tariff barriers, expected to significantly expand trade and investment flows between the two countries.
The forum brought together senior government officials, diplomats, and leading business representatives from both sides, who explored opportunities in textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food processing, fisheries, construction materials, and information technology. Participants emphasized the need to diversify trade baskets and promote value-added exports for a more balanced and resilient partnership.
During the session, the Vietnamese delegation expressed confidence that the PTA would strengthen economic resilience and create new avenues for sustainable growth and inclusive development. Both sides underlined the importance of conducting the negotiations transparently to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.
The two countries also agreed to improve connectivity and people-to-people linkages, including exploring the establishment of direct flight routes to facilitate business and tourism. Improved visa facilitation was discussed to encourage greater mobility for entrepreneurs, investors, and tourists.
The meeting also highlighted potential collaboration in religious and cultural tourism, with Vietnam showing keen interest in Pakistan’s Gandhara and Taxila heritage, home to some of the most sacred Buddhist sites.
Vietnam’s experience in industrial modernization, value-added manufacturing, and trade facilitation was cited as a model from which Pakistan aims to draw lessons to expand its own export base.
The forum concluded with an invitation to Vietnamese enterprises to participate in the FoodAg Exhibition 2025, scheduled for November in Karachi, showcasing Pakistan’s expanding capabilities in agriculture and food processing.
The launch of PTA negotiations marks a new chapter in Pakistan–Vietnam economic relations, reflecting both nations’ shared commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism while advancing regional connectivity and sustainable growth.
