Cambodia plans deeper economic cooperation with Pakistan

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan highlighted Pakistan’s evolving export landscape during a networking lunch in Islamabad. He noted consistent growth in pharmaceuticals, strong performance in information and communication technology (ICT), and rising value addition in the food sector. The minister emphasized that Pakistan, which had limited presence in value-added food exports a decade ago, is now making progress across the entire food value chain.

He pointed to new and expanding export lines, including engineering goods, home and electrical appliances, water bikes, tractors, cosmetics, and perfumes. These sectors, he said, show Pakistan’s growing industrial diversification and export maturity. The minister credited favourable conditions, such as a skilled workforce, availability of raw materials, a strong life sciences sector, capable financial institutions, English-language proficiency, and a predictable judicial framework.

Jam Kamal Khan said Pakistan has moved from economic turmoil toward stability and is now well-positioned for growth. He acknowledged challenges like taxation, production costs, and ease of doing business. However, he assured that these issues are receiving top priority under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The minister expressed confidence that ongoing reforms will create space for sustained economic growth in the coming months.

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During the event, Cambodian Minister of Commerce Ms Cham Nimul stressed the importance of stronger business-to-business (B2B) engagement. She welcomed greater participation of Pakistani companies in Cambodia and the wider ASEAN region. She highlighted opportunities for collaboration, joint ventures, and mutual investment, noting that 166 Pakistani companies are already registered in Cambodia.

The networking lunch, hosted by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), strengthened ties between Pakistan and Cambodia. Officials from both countries discussed strategies to boost trade and investment. The meeting underlined the potential for Pakistan’s export expansion and deeper industrial partnerships in regional markets.