Pakistan, Vietnam launch negotiations for Preferential Trade Agreement

October 14, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and Vietnam have  launched negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), marking a major step toward deepening bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries.

This came during a bilateral meeting and the Pakistan–Vietnam Business Forum held in Islamabad, co-chaired by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Nguyễn Hồng Diên, Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade, said a press release issued today..

Minister Jam Kamal Khan welcomed the Vietnamese delegation, calling the visit “a reflection of the shared resolve of both nations to transform their longstanding friendship into a robust and future-oriented economic partnership.”

He noted that while bilateral trade has seen steady growth, it remains below potential.

Khan identified textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food processing, fisheries, construction materials, and information technology as promising sectors for collaboration, urging businesses from both sides to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

The highlight of the forum was the formal signing of the Joint Statement on the Launch of Pakistan–Vietnam PTA Negotiations, which both ministers described as a historic milestone in bilateral relations.

The PTA aims to be finalized by the end of 2025, establishing a framework to enhance market access, diversify trade baskets, and reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers.

Nguyễn Hồng Diên welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that the agreement would help diversify export markets, strengthen resilience against global challenges, and foster sustainable growth.

He also emphasized the importance of transparent negotiations ensuring balanced benefits for both sides.

Minister Jam Kamal Khan encouraged the private sectors of both countries to develop long-term partnerships, citing Pakistan’s strategic location, business-friendly environment, and skilled workforce as key advantages.

He invited Vietnamese investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for joint ventures and manufacturing collaborations.

Both sides also agreed to improve connectivity and facilitate travel, including plans for direct flight routes between Pakistan and Vietnam and easier visa procedures for business and tourism purposes.

Highlighting the shared cultural and spiritual heritage, Minister Khan invited Vietnamese visitors to explore Pakistan’s Buddhist heritage sites in Gandhara and Taxila, while the Vietnamese Minister praised Pakistan’s efforts in promoting religious tourism as a bridge between cultures.

Khan further expressed Pakistan’s interest in learning from Vietnam’s success in industrial modernization and export growth, while inviting Vietnamese firms to participate in the FoodAg Exhibition scheduled for November 2025 in Karachi.

Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, and Pakistan expressed solidarity with Vietnam over recent flood-related challenges.

The event brought together key government figures including Federal Ministers Khalid Hussain Magsi, Abdul Aleem Khan, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Parliamentary Secretary Nawabzada Mir Zarain Khan Magsi, as well as senior officials, diplomats, and prominent business representatives from both nations

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