Pakistan, Philippines agree to strengthen multi-sector cooperation

Pakistan & Philippines – (Web Desk) – Pakistan and the Philippines, during the second meeting of their Joint Economic Commission in Manila, agreed to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors and reaffirmed their commitment to boosting economic ties through practical and result-oriented initiatives.

The meeting was co-chaired by Muhammad Humair Karim Kidwai, Secretary of Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division, and Atty. Allan B. Gepty, Undersecretary for International Trade, Philippines, according to a press release from the Economic Affairs Ministry in Islamabad on Friday.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Asima Rabbani, and Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, attended the meeting along with senior officials from both countries.

The officials exchanged views on the global economic situation and shared updates on their countries’ economic outlooks and trade priorities. They reviewed bilateral trade and investment relations and recognized the significant potential for further growth. Pakistan highlighted opportunities in agricultural exports and halal-certified products, and proposed initiatives such as business exchanges, trade fairs, and a dedicated business forum.

Both sides stressed the importance of private sector involvement and supported reviving the Pakistan-Philippines Joint Business Council. Pakistan also suggested stronger investment cooperation, including a memorandum of understanding between their respective Boards of Investment and the creation of a Joint Working Group on Investment.

Market access issues were also discussed, with Pakistan emphasizing the early resolution of pending requests. Both countries agreed to continue engagement through established channels to further strengthen economic collaboration.

The 2nd Pakistan‑Philippines Joint Economic Commission met in Manila on 19 Feb 2026, its first in 8 years. A Joint Protocol was signed, establishing a Working Group on Trade and a Steering Committee on Agriculture to strengthen collaboration and deepen bilateral ties. 🇵🇰🤝🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/kjLr6xXgwB

— Pakistan Embassy Philippines (@PakinPhl) February 20, 2026

The possibility of exploring a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) was welcomed, with both sides agreeing that feasibility studies would guide future discussions. The existing JEC framework may be strengthened to incorporate expanded sectoral cooperation.

Sectoral discussions covered agriculture, irrigation and water management, halal development, health and pharmaceuticals, banking and taxation, higher education and TVET, energy and minerals, tourism, and visa facilitation.

In agriculture, both sides emphasized cooperation in seed development, plant variety protection, quality assurance, and community-based irrigation initiatives. On halal development, the focus was on compliance training, certification exchanges, and strengthening supply chain capabilities.

In health and pharmaceuticals, the two sides discussed structured collaboration through a dedicated working group, including regulatory cooperation and facilitation of pharmaceutical and medical device trade.

In banking and taxation, discussions highlighted collaboration in digital payments, remittance corridors, financial innovation, supervisory cooperation, and consideration of updating the Double Taxation Agreement in line with modern standards.

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Both sides also expressed interest in expanding partnerships in higher education and TVET through academic exchanges and skills development initiatives, as well as in energy and minerals through upstream exploration, mining technology exchange, and investment opportunities.

Cooperation in tourism promotion and capacity building was encouraged, while the importance of efficient and predictable visa procedures, particularly for business travel, was underscored to facilitate trade and investment flows.