Mr. Hoti, a member of the prominent Hoti family of Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, shared his family's historical and political background, including its links to the former princely state of Hoti prior to Pakistan's independence.

During the meeting, discussions centered on potential areas of Philippines-Pakistan economic cooperation, particularly in trade and investment. Ambassador Fernandez underscored the Embassy's continuing efforts to promote balanced bilateral trade, noting that current volumes remain heavily in Pakistan's favor. The Ambassador also expressed the Embassy's interest in identifying new Philippine exports that could be introduced into the Pakistani market.

Mr. Hoti, for his part, suggested exploring opportunities in the refurbished-clothing, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, and marble sectors, emphasizing the industrial potential of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He noted that the region hosts over 300 tobacco factories, a thriving refurbished-clothing market, and more than 3,000 marble industries in Buner District, which enjoys tax-free status. He also cited prospects for trade in gemstones and surgical instruments.

In closing, Mr. Hoti extended an invitation to Ambassador Fernandez to visit Mardan after the winter season and offered to host him at the historic Hoti Palace, citing opportunities for people-to-people and cultural exchanges in the region.

Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines Islamabad, Pakistan