Navid Miraj & Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: The Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, and Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Muhmmad Azhar Mazlan on Tuesday said that trade between Pakistan and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) exceeded $11 billion during the fiscal year 2022.
Addressing the 56th anniversary of the ASEAN in Islamabad, Muhammad Azhar Mazlan emphasized the immense potential that the combined population of 660 million people holds for ASEAN.
He lauded the role of ASEAN in promoting economic prosperity, with its aggregate GDP surpassing $3 trillion, making it the fifth-largest economy globally.
Muhmmad Azhar Mazlan also highlighted ASEAN’s success in attracting foreign direct investment and its role as a model for successful regional economic integration within the developing world.
ASEAN’s Role in Economic Prosperity with Pakistan
Muhmmad Azhar Mazlan cited the ASEAN-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, in effect since 2013, as evidence of the strengthened economic ties between the two parties. He commended the enduring partnership and collaborative efforts that have led to significant milestones in trade and cooperation between ASEAN and Pakistan.
The event highlighted the profound impact of ASEAN-Pakistan cooperation across various sectors, including trade and investment, agriculture, education, culture, tourism, capacity building, and technical cooperation. The signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2020 with five trading partners marked a significant achievement, highlighting ASEAN’s commitment to open regionalism.
Mazlan said that in the realm of cultural exchanges, initiatives like the ASEAN Cultural Festival and educational scholarships have enriched mutual understanding and fostered enduring friendships among the people of ASEAN and Pakistan.
As the global landscape undergoes unprecedented transformation, driven by technological advancements and evolving geopolitical dynamics, he emphasized that ASEAN’s founding principles of unity in diversity, dialogue, and cooperation remain as relevant as ever.
He called upon all stakeholders to continue enhancing bonds of friendship and collaboration to address common challenges, including climate change, terrorism, and public health crises.
Muhmmad Azhar Mazlan expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the ASEAN-Pakistan partnership’s success, highlighting the potential for a brighter and better future through continued cooperation.
