
Highlighting Pakistan’s increasing demand for South Korea’s advanced technologies and expertise, Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan emphasized vast opportunities for collaboration, supported by Pakistan’s young, tech-savvy workforce.
Following the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries with Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo on Thursday, Khan addressed shared challenges, noting that many of Pakistani companies would benefit from trade agreements with Korea that reduce tariff barriers.
“The start of EPA negotiations will create significant growth opportunities for both countries,” Khan said in an interview with The Korea Herald at the Pakistan Embassy in Seoul on Thursday.
At the ministerial-level meeting, Khan underscored untapped potential in trade and investment, reiterating Pakistan’s eagerness for stronger ties.
“With a strategic location, affordable labor, and a massive market, Pakistan is an ideal destination for Korean investors,” he said, emphasizing the benefits of relocating manufacturing facilities to Pakistan.
The minister also highlighted the potential for collaboration in high-tech engineering and Computer Numerical Control manufacturing, which could add value to Pakistani products. “For Korean companies, this partnership provides leverage to indirectly access markets like the US and Europe through Pakistan’s GSP Plus arrangement.”
The GSP Plus status grants Pakistan tariff-free access to European and US markets, significantly boosting its export capabilities while adhering to compliance criteria.

Khan pointed to Pakistan’s $347 billion economy and its sizeable population -- the world’s fifth-largest, at 250 million people -- as compelling reasons for Korean businesses to invest.
He identified key sectors for growth, including food processing, automotive, IT, textiles, housing and construction, minerals and logistics.
“Pakistan has designated 16 Special Economic Zones that offer lucrative incentives for foreign enterprises,” Khan explained. These zones provide fiscal benefits, such as tax exemptions on capital goods and income for 10 years, along with unrestricted profit repatriation.
Renewable energy, particularly solar power, was also emphasized as a promising sector.
"With around 270 sunny days annually, Pakistan’s climate is ideal for solar energy generation," Khan noted.
Agriculture, a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, presents vast opportunities for trade and investment, particularly in crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane and cotton. Khan also referenced the Korea Plant Industry Association’s initiative to help Pakistan achieve self-sufficiency in seed potato production by 2028.
The fisheries sector also holds potential, with Korea importing $5 billion worth of seafood annually.
Khan also addressed the growing automotive sector, particularly as the global shift toward carbon-free technologies accelerates.
“While hybrid cars from Japan dominate Pakistan’s market, Korean companies should consider investing in electric and hybrid vehicles,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s burgeoning two-wheeler market -- expanding at an average annual rate of 30 percent --offers attractive opportunities for smaller investors.
Beyond trade, Khan highlighted the socio-political benefits of the EPA, including job creation in export-oriented industries, skill development for Pakistani workers, and initiatives to empower women economically.
“These collaborations will strengthen bilateral relations and foster mutual respect,” Khan said. He also called for cultural and educational exchanges, such as youth programs and cross-cultural media initiatives, to further enhance ties between the two nations.