On February 20, 2026, Pakistan and the Philippines concluded the second session of their Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in Manila, agreeing to a major expansion of bilateral trade and investment. Co-chaired by Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Secretary Muhammad Humair Karim and Philippine Trade Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty, the summit focused on untapped potential in the agriculture, energy, and pharmaceutical sectors.
The 2nd Pakistan‑Philippines Joint Economic Commission met in Manila on 19 Feb 2026, its first in 8 years. A Joint Protocol was signed, establishing a Working Group on Trade and a Steering Committee on Agriculture to strengthen collaboration and deepen bilateral ties. 🇵🇰🤝🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/kjLr6xXgwB
— Pakistan Embassy Philippines (@PakinPhl) February 20, 2026
A primary outcome of the meeting was the proposal for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two nations’ Boards of Investment. This framework includes the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Investment to streamline private sector collaboration. Pakistan specifically highlighted its “strong agricultural output trajectory,” seeking to expand exports of halal-certified products, citrus, and rice. The two sides also agreed to fast-track a feasibility study for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to lower tariffs and improve market access.
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To support these goals, the commission moved to reactivate the Pakistan–Philippines Joint Business Council. Both delegations emphasized that a more efficient and predictable visa regime is essential for maintaining the momentum of these “result-oriented” initiatives.
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