ISLAMABAD, MAY 22 (DNA ):The Ambassador of the Philippines, Emmanuel Fernandez, has said that direct air links are crucial for enhancing trade and tourism between Pakistan and the Philippines. He expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation led by Zafar Bakhtawari, Chairman of the Pakistan-ASEAN Friendship Association (PAFA). Former ICCI President Ahsan Bakhtawari and ICCI Executive Member Imran Minhas were also present at the meeting .Rain R Mendoza head of economic section of Philippines was also present.
The ambassador said he is committed to exploring all possible avenues and identifying new paths for cooperation in this regard. He also expressed a desire to introduce the Philippines’ healthy coconut oil to the Pakistani market and to boost exports. He emphasized ensuring strong representation of Philippine products in upcoming trade exhibitions in Pakistan.
The ambassador mentioned that the current bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and the Philippines stands at $360 million, which is in Pakistan’s favor. He stressed the need for both countries to take effective measures to increase this volume.
Speaking on the occasion, Zafar Bakhtawari said that the Philippines is a populous country with great potential for Pakistani products. He noted that the economic models of Pakistan and the Philippines share several similarities, particularly the vital role of foreign remittances in both economies—approximately $35 billion annually for Pakistan and over $40 billion for the Philippines. He also emphasized that Pakistan should be made a full dialogue partner of ASEAN.
Ahsan Bakhtawari highlighted the importance of cultural exchanges and business delegations in strengthening the friendship between Pakistan and the Philippines. He expressed interest in leading a Pakistani business delegation to Manila to explore business opportunities there. He also proposed that a day in honor of Allama Iqbal be celebrated in Manila to strengthen intellectual and literary ties between the two countries.
In response, the ambassador agreed to promote the legacy of Dr. José Rizal, the national poet and hero of the Philippines, in Pakistan. It was agreed during the meeting to explore the possibility of direct flights between Pakistan and the Philippines. Pakistani companies interested in importing Philippines coconut products will be identified. Details of the Manila FAME trade exhibition (October) will be provided to the Pakistani side.
The proposal to organize a Filipino film and cultural festival at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) was also discussed. The translation of Dr. José Rizal’s literary works into Urdu will be considered. It was also agreed that Allama Iqbal’s message will be promoted in the Philippines through Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Asma Rabbani.
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