Vietnam, Pakistan Boost Trade and Supply Chains to Middle East, South Asia

VCCI President Pham Tan Cong (R) receives Pakistan’s Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan

Taking place against the backdrop of positive bilateral trade growth, the meeting is expected to open up practical cooperation opportunities in key strategic sectors such as textiles, agriculture, energy, information technology, and logistics.

Positive trade growth and potential

At the meeting, VCCI President Pham Tan Cong reaffirmed the importance of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Pakistan, established since November 8, 1972, and continuously expanding across political, diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people dimensions.

According to official statistics, in 2023, bilateral trade between Vietnam and Pakistan reached nearly US$700 million. Vietnam exported US$386 million worth of goods to Pakistan, primarily tea, pepper, yarn, steel, rubber, electronics, and mobile phones. In return, Pakistan exported around US$300 million to Vietnam, consisting mainly of animal feed ingredients, pharmaceuticals, cotton, fabrics, and garment accessories.

In 2024, bilateral trade was estimated to reach US$1.2 to 1.5 billion. In the first half of 2025 alone, total trade exceeded US$400 million and is projected to reach US$900 million for the full year.

VCCI President Cong emphasized the need to better leverage the complementary nature of the two countries' export-import structures, especially in key sectors such as cotton, leather, agricultural products, textiles, electrical equipment, Halal-certified food, and consumer electronics. He also noted Vietnam’s strong demand for raw materials from Pakistan for processing and export production.

Boosting business links and trade corridors

VCCI President Cong noted, “Vietnam and Pakistan are both strategically located. Pakistan serves as a gateway to the Middle East and South Asia, while Vietnam is a production hub for ASEAN. Strengthening supply chain linkage, particularly in textiles, agriculture, and Halal food should be a top priority.”

Both sides also acknowledged strong potential for cooperation in renewable energy (solar and wind power), software, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. VCCI President Cong added, “Vietnam is willing to import high-quality medical equipment and pharmaceutical products from Pakistan while continuing to boost exports of its strengths, including rice, coffee, cashew nuts, and seafood.”

VCCI and Pakistan’s Trade Development Authority (TDAP) are actively coordinating to organize virtual exhibitions, sector-specific trade fairs, and business matchmaking events in areas such as textiles, agriculture, technology, energy, and investment.

However, VCCI President Cong also candidly pointed out several challenges that need to be addressed, including limited direct logistics routes (with reliance on intermediaries in Singapore and Malaysia), a lack of direct banking connections, and insufficient market information between the two countries. These are priority areas for improvement to ensure more substantive trade.

As a national business chamber, VCCI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting both Vietnamese and Pakistani enterprises through information-sharing, networking, and practical trade promotion activities.

During the meeting, both parties agreed on the need for regular business delegations, trade forums, and both online and offline exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and expand cooperation.

VCCI President Cong also expressed his optimism for tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations: “Pakistan has significant strengths in culture, religion, and natural landscapes, while Vietnam is a dynamic, safe, and attractive destination. Promoting tourism cooperation, launching direct flights, and enhancing mutual visibility are essential to deepening bilateral relations.”