ISLAMABAD – In a promising development for economic diplomacy, Vietnam’s Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Pham Anh Tuan, has announced that both Vietnam and Pakistan have agreed to explore the signing of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), marking a key step towards deeper economic integration and the potential establishment of a future Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
In an exclusive interview with APP, Ambassador Pham highlighted that the PTA would serve as a stable legal framework to boost market access, reduce tariffs, and diversify trade relations. “The agreement will create favourable conditions for enterprises of both nations and lay the foundation for long-term strategic cooperation,” he said.
Ambassador Pham underlined the significance of the fifth meeting of the Pakistan–Vietnam Joint Trade Committee (JTC), held in Hanoi on July 11, 2025, which he described as a “pivotal achievement in bilateral relations.” Notably, Vietnam submitted its draft PTA on July 8, 2025, listing over 80 key export items and requesting Pakistan to consider tariff reductions in the range of 0–5%. Pakistan has welcomed this initiative and committed to beginning formal negotiations within the year.
The ambassador described the reactivation of the JTC after an eight-year hiatus as a “strategic reset,” calling it a vital mechanism for structured and consistent bilateral dialogue. Outcomes of the JTC include mutual agreement on regular exchange of trade delegations and participation in international exhibitions and fairs.
“Vietnam invited Pakistan to take part in high-profile trade fairs such as SaigonTex, Hanoitex, SaigonFabric, and HanoiFabric, while Vietnam looks forward to joining Pakistan’s Texpo, HEMS, and FoodAg events,” said Ambassador Pham.
He noted that Vietnam views Pakistan as its 14th largest supplier of fibre and expressed strong interest in increasing imports of cotton, fabric, and raw materials essential for Vietnam’s globally competitive textile and garment sector.
In the area of aquaculture, Ambassador Pham acknowledged that fish fillets constitute 98% of Vietnam’s seafood exports to Pakistan. He emphasized the need to address logistics barriers and promote competition, adding that both sides had agreed to enhance cooperation and eliminate trade obstacles in this important sector.
The ambassador reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to enhancing trade ties with Pakistan through sustained diplomatic engagement and mutual trust. “This is a partnership full of potential, and we are confident that stronger trade, investment, and sectoral collaboration will take Vietnam–Pakistan relations to new heights,” he concluded.
BY: The Times Union
