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Embassy News
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PHILIPPINE EMBASSY JOINS ASEAN ENVOYS ON ECONOMIC MISSION TO SIALKOT |
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Islamabad, Pakistan - 13 November
2025. The Philippine Embassy in Islamabad joined fellow ASEAN missions
in Pakistan for a two-day ASEAN-Sialkot Economic Dialogue and Industrial
Exposure Trip on 12-13 November 2025, highlighting Sialkot's role as a
global hub for surgical instruments, sporting goods, and leather
products, and identifying opportunities to deepen ASEAN-Pakistan
economic cooperation. The Philippine delegation was represented by First Secretary and Consul Juan Paolo G. Alix, on behalf of Ambassador Emmanuel R. Fernandez, alongside ambassadors and heads of mission from Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia. The program featured briefings and facility tours at leading Sialkot firms, including QSA Surgical (surgical instruments), AWAN Sports (FIFA-certified footballs and other sporting goods), and Cobija Industries (leather and textile goods). Company representatives presented their export footprints, quality-assurance systems, and experience as contract manufacturers supplying major global brands. At QSA Surgical, ASEAN envoys learned about Sialkot's long history in precision medical instruments and the company's evolution as a contract manufacturer for major European and North American brands. Discussions touched on the potential for more direct sourcing arrangements with ASEAN hospitals and distributors, with the possibility of branding instruments under ASEAN partners' own labels. The visit to AWAN Sports underscored Sialkot's global reputation in football and other sporting goods, including its role in the production of the official ball for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Company officials highlighted a diversified supply chain that already includes raw materials from several ASEAN countries, reinforcing the scope for deeper two-way trade and supply-chain integration. At Cobija Industries, the delegation was briefed on the firm's integrated leather and textiles operations, including in-house design, testing to international standards, and mass production of jackets, gloves, footwear and denim. The engagement showed potential linkages with ASEAN markets for motorcycle apparel, outdoor gear and fashion items. The delegation also held a plenary meeting with the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI), where chamber leaders presented Sialkot's export profile and proposed enhanced B2B matchmaking, trade missions, and cooperation with ASEAN chambers and trade-promotion agencies. ASEAN envoys, including the Philippine representative, underlined that many Sialkot-made goods already reach ASEAN indirectly under third-country brands, and encouraged more direct business partnerships to better reflect the true scale of economic ties. A briefing by AirSial, Sialkot's community-owned airline, showcased the city's private-sector-led model in infrastructure, from its dry port and international airport to its growing airline. AirSial's leadership outlined current routes to the Gulf region and plans to expand into ASEAN and East Asia, including potential cooperation with ASEAN carriers and increased freight connectivity for Sialkot exports. The Philippines, together with its ASEAN partners, remains committed to nurturing practical economic partnerships with Pakistan that support resilient supply chains, greater two-way trade, and shared, inclusive growth. |
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