KARACHI: Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastagir Khan said on Friday that Pakistan and Thailand will soon start talks on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

He further said that his ministry would aggressively pursue trade diplomacy over the year ahead to ensure easy access to Pakistani exporters in lucrative international and regional markets.

Pakistan will initiate trade dialogue with Asean, a 10-member bloc of East Asian countries, to get status of ‘Full Dialogue Partner’ by 2018. This will set the stage for a full fledged FTA with Asean which will open up huge markets for Pakistan.

Negotiations with Japan and South Korea are also under way. Dastagir disclosed that Korean Minister for Trade has invited him, says a press release.

The minister’s visit to South Korea is expected in the second half of this calendar year.

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Opinion

Editorial

Price bombs
17 Jun, 2024

Price bombs

THERE was a time not too long ago when the faces we see sitting in government today would cry themselves hoarse over...
Palestine’s plight
17 Jun, 2024

Palestine’s plight

AS pilgrims wrap up the Haj rituals, and other Muslims celebrate Eidul Azha, the continuing massacre in Gaza demands...
Profiting off denied visas
17 Jun, 2024

Profiting off denied visas

IT is no secret that visa applications to the UK and Schengen countries come at a high cost. But recent published...
After the deluge
Updated 16 Jun, 2024

After the deluge

There was a lack of mental fortitude in the loss against India while against US, the team lost all control and displayed a lack of cohesion and synergy.
Fugue state
16 Jun, 2024

Fugue state

WITH its founder in jail these days, it seems nearly impossible to figure out what the PTI actually wants. On one...
Sindh budget
16 Jun, 2024

Sindh budget

SINDH’S Rs3.06tr budget for the upcoming financial year is a combination of populist interventions, attempts to...