KARACHI: The Trade Promotion Organizations of Pakistan and Cambodia on Wednesday signed an agreement to promote bilateral trade, enhance business networking and exchange information between the two countries, Pakistan’s commerce ministry said. 

The agreement was signed between both sides as Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan co-chaired the second Pakistan-Cambodia Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting in Islamabad with his counterpart in Cambodia, Cham Nimul. 

The meeting took place as Islamabad intensifies efforts to diversify export markets beyond traditional Middle Eastern and Western destinations, while strengthening engagement within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“The meeting concluded with the signing of the Joint Statement by the Co-Chairs, followed by the witnessing of the signing of the agreement between the Trade Promotion Organizations of Pakistan and Cambodia — a step aimed at enhancing information exchange, business networking, and trade promotion initiatives,” the Pakistani commerce ministry said in a statement. 

Khan stressed that the JTC serves as an effective platform to review progress, address challenges and identify new avenues for cooperation between both sides. 

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing discussions toward a Preferential Trade Agreement to enhance market access and diversify trade baskets.

The Pakistani side highlighted export potential in rice, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agricultural products, while Cambodia identified opportunities in cassava, cashew nuts, footwear, and rubber products, the commerce ministry said.

“Both sides agreed to facilitate direct engagement between their business communities to translate these complementarities into concrete trade flows,” the statement added. 

Pakistan’s Board of Investment presented opportunities in energy, IT, tourism and infrastructure, positioning the country as “a gateway to Central Asia,” the ministry said.

Cambodia outlined the advantages under its new investment law and special economic zones, proposing that their country could serve as a strategic production base for Pakistani enterprises seeking access to ASEAN and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership countries. 

The two sides also agreed to advance cooperation in agriculture, aviation, IT, AI, cybersecurity, labor and vocational training. 

“The Second Pakistan–Cambodia Joint Trade Committee marked a significant milestone in deepening bilateral economic engagement, laying a clear roadmap for enhanced trade, investment, and institutional collaboration between the two friendly nations,” the commerce ministry said.