Pakistan, Korea look to boost chemical trade

PCDMA, Korean officials discuss boosting commerce, investments

KARACHI:

A delegation of the Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA), led by Chairman Salim Valimuhammad, held a meeting with Korean Consul General Yi Sung Ho and Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) Director General Hwang Sungwoon to discuss ways of enhancing bilateral trade, reaching an economic partnership agreement, and forming joint ventures in key industrial sectors.

The delegation included PCDMA Vice Chairman Shariq Feroz, Convener Diplomatic Committee Nasiruddin Fateh Kukda, and Senior Member Parvez Valimuhammad.

PCDMA Chairman Salim Valimuhammad assured Korean officials of full cooperation, particularly in chemical chapters 28 to 32, to help expand the trade volume between the two countries.

He urged Korean companies to initiate joint ventures and technical assistance with Pakistani partners in general and specialty chemicals, highlighting the potential for industrial collaboration.

The delegation also stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in the dyestuff industry. Both sides shared brief overviews of their organisations and discussed potential areas of cooperation at a preliminary level.

Prominent businessman in the dyestuffs industry, Pervez Vali, highlighted the importance of free trade agreements (FTAs), economic partnership agreements, joint ventures and technical assistance.

During the meeting, Korean officials suggested that the PCDMA delegation participate in the 2026 textile exhibition in Korea, which the Pakistani side accepted, noting that such participation would further strengthen bilateral trade ties.