Pakistan has sought stronger trade and economic cooperation with Hong Kong, with a particular focus on financial services, aviation, trade in services and business-to-business connectivity. The matter was discussed during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and expanding economic engagement. The discussions covered several areas that could support greater commercial interaction between businesses and create additional opportunities for investment, services and cross-border trade.
During the meeting, Jam Kamal Khan called for greater engagement between Pakistan and Hong Kong across trade in services, financial services, aviation and direct business-to-business connections. The commerce minister emphasised the importance of broadening economic relations beyond traditional trade and developing stronger links between companies and commercial institutions in both markets. Increased cooperation in services and finance could provide businesses with additional channels for accessing markets, developing partnerships and expanding their commercial activities.
Aviation connectivity was also highlighted as an important area for strengthening economic relations. Jam Kamal Khan urged Hong Kong to consider resuming Cathay Pacific flights to Pakistan, pointing to the potential benefits of improved direct air links between the two markets. According to the minister, stronger aviation connectivity could support business travel, tourism and broader commercial exchanges by making movement between Pakistan and Hong Kong more convenient for businesspeople, investors and other travellers.
The commerce minister also highlighted the role of the Pakistani diaspora in Hong Kong and its contribution through remittances and people-to-people connections. The Pakistani community has maintained links between the two markets through economic activity, family connections and commercial relationships. Jam Kamal Khan’s remarks underlined the importance of these existing connections in supporting closer bilateral relations and creating opportunities for expanded economic cooperation.
Both sides agreed to explore additional areas of mutual economic interest as part of efforts to strengthen Pakistan-Hong Kong commercial relations. The discussions indicated an interest in identifying new avenues for cooperation while building on existing economic and people-to-people links. Jam Kamal Khan also invited the Hong Kong chief executive to visit Pakistan, providing a potential opportunity for further discussions on bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Separately, Jam Kamal Khan met Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau. Their discussions focused on practical areas of economic engagement, including business delegations, aviation connectivity, finance, services and trade. Business delegations could provide companies from both markets with opportunities to explore partnerships and identify areas where commercial cooperation can be expanded.
The focus on financial services and trade in services also reflects the broader effort to increase the scope of Pakistan’s economic engagement with Hong Kong. Greater cooperation in these sectors could support business connectivity and provide new opportunities for service providers and financial institutions. Alongside aviation links and business delegations, these areas formed a central part of the discussions between Pakistani and Hong Kong officials.
The latest meetings demonstrate Pakistan’s efforts to deepen economic ties with Hong Kong by pursuing cooperation across multiple sectors. Trade, finance, aviation and business connectivity were identified as key areas for future engagement, while the contribution of the Pakistani diaspora was also recognised. The two sides are expected to continue exploring areas of mutual economic interest as they work toward stronger bilateral trade and broader commercial cooperation.
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