From October 13 to 16, 2025, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, Head of the Vietnamese delegation, is paying a working visit to Pakistan to discuss and address trade barriers, with a view to enhancing the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Pakistan. On this occasion, the Industry and Trade (Cong Thuong) Newspaper had an interview with Ambassador Kohdayar Marri.

The Vietnam-Pakistan PTA will facilitate bilateral trade

- Ambassador, could you please review the relationship between Vietnam and Pakistan and the current state of economic and industrial cooperation between the two countries?

Ambassador Kohdayar Marri: That is a very good and important question. I have been in Vietnam for about one and a half years, and I am truly impressed by the country’s positive economic transformation. Vietnam and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1972, and our two nations have now enjoyed over 50 years of friendship.

However, the level of economic, trade, and cultural cooperation between our countries has yet to fully reflect the depth of this long-standing friendship. There remains significant potential for both sides to enhance cooperation and achieve mutual benefits by further consolidating this relationship.

Therefore, during my tenure, my top priority is to strengthen and upgrade the Vietnam-Pakistan partnership in all aspects, including economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and political collaboration.

Personally, I have proposed and encouraged the Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan to engage with Vietnam in discussions to improve the trade agenda and finalize relevant trade agreements. At present, many Vietnamese products cannot be exported to Pakistan, and vice versa, due to the absence of appropriate agreements.

It is my aspiration that our two countries will soon be able to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). However, the Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan has suggested that we should proceed step by step, beginning with a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), and subsequently moving toward an FTA.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the leadership of Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, especially Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang, for her remarkable professionalism and support. We have had several highly productive meetings and agreed on the need to further strengthen bilateral relations and trade cooperation. It was through these meetings that we decided to launch an initiative to negotiate a free trade agreement, build stronger frameworks, and expand trade cooperation between our two countries.

- As you have mentioned, there remains considerable room to enhance economic and trade cooperation. In your opinion, which sectors hold the greatest potential for exports between Vietnam and Pakistan?

Ambassador Kohdayar Marri: Both Vietnam and Pakistan have well-developed agricultural sectors. This creates excellent opportunities for both countries to increase agricultural exports and add greater value to agricultural products.

In addition, both sides are also advancing rapidly in the information technology field. Vietnam’s technology and semiconductor industries are expanding at a fast pace, with growing emphasis on artificial intelligence and industrial applications in the silicon sector. We can cooperate and jointly develop these industries for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The growth potential remains vast. We have only taken the first steps on this journey of cooperation, and there are still hundreds of steps ahead. I firmly believe that there are many promising opportunities for our two countries to grow together.

- It is known that during this visit, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien and the delegation will initiate negotiations toward signing the Vietnam-Pakistan PTA. What are your expectations regarding this agreement?

Ambassador Kohdayar Marri: Once the PTA is signed and takes effect, it will open broader channels for the exchange of goods and create more favorable conditions for enterprises from both countries to access each other’s markets.

Vietnamese businesses will have greater opportunities to invest and expand their operations in Pakistan, and Pakistani businesses will be able to do the same in Vietnam. Both sides will benefit from lower tariffs, more efficient two-way trade, and more competitive pricing.

At present, Vietnam offers an excellent business environment. The economy is on a strong growth trajectory, with positive outcomes in trade, investment, and various other areas of cooperation. Industrialization continues to improve, which presents vast opportunities for international partners, including Pakistani enterprises, to invest and expand their presence in Vietnam.

- During this visit, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien and the Vietnamese delegation are expected to meet with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, attend the Vietnam-Pakistan Business Forum, and hold negotiations on the PTA. What are your expectations for the outcomes of this visit?

Ambassador Kohdayar Marri: Both sides have made thorough preparations for the Preferential Trade Agreement. This marks a significant milestone in our economic cooperation. In Pakistan, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien and the delegation will meet with industry associations and enterprises to open additional channels for trade, thereby helping Vietnamese goods to enter the Pakistani market.

The visit will also promote stronger business-to-business (B2B) and government-to-business (B2G) cooperation between the two countries.

Promoting cultural cooperation and strengthening Vietnam-Pakistan relations

- It is known that you have paid special attention to promoting tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchanges during your tenure. Could you share your plans for enhancing cultural cooperation between the two countries?

Ambassador Kohdayar Marri: In terms of cultural exchanges, while the governments of Pakistan and Vietnam have a clear understanding and maintain excellent relations, our peoples still do not know each other deeply enough and have not yet had many opportunities to experience each other’s culture and heritage.

Few people are aware that Pakistan is home to numerous Buddhist heritage sites, beautiful landscapes, a pleasant climate, and many attractive resorts. Similarly, many people in Pakistan have yet to discover the wonderful experiences that Vietnam offers. Therefore, I would like to create more direct connections between the peoples of our two nations.

I also maintain regular communication with the Embassy of Vietnam in Pakistan, and together we organize various activities to promote people-to-people exchanges and share information about our countries and peoples.

Just two days ago, we held the “World Cultural Festival” in Hanoi, where I invited a classical dancer from Pakistan to perform and present our country’s rich culture and history to the Vietnamese public. When people gain a deeper understanding of one another, communication becomes more natural, and new opportunities for cooperation emerge.

- What are your impressions of Vietnam, its culture, and its people? Are there any particular Vietnamese dishes or destinations that you enjoy most?

Ambassador Kohdayar Marri: That is a difficult question because I find something to love everywhere I go in Vietnam. Every place I visit leaves a deep impression on me. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Da Nang for the first time, and also Hoi An - I truly loved it there.

One of my favorite areas is near Ho Chi Minh City, particularly the southern coastal provinces and cities. I have traveled there and greatly enjoyed the scenery. I am also very fond of Yen Bai, a beautiful region with warm and hospitable people.

In fact, wherever I go in Vietnam, people are always so kind, generous, and welcoming that I feel as though I am in my own homeland rather than in a foreign country. I believe that when the time comes for me to leave Vietnam, I will feel very sad and miss this country deeply.

– Thank you very much, Ambassador Kohdayar Marri!