Karachi: Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and President of Economic Cooperation Organization’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ECO-CCI), has hosted the 30th Executive Committee and 20th General Assembly meetings at the FPCCI Head Office, Federation House, Karachi – which is being termed as a huge honor for the country vis-à-vis regional, trade and economic diplomacy.
Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh elaborated that the landmark event gathers the office bearers of ECO-CCI member chambers, along with high-level participants from the ECO Secretariat and the ECO Trade and Development Bank (ETDB) – to foster deeper regional economic integration.
The proceedings were inaugurated and presided over by Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, who delivered the welcome address and a comprehensive presentation on the organization’s activities. Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President of FPCCI; representatives of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), addressed the vital issues, challenges and opportunities pertaining to ECO member countries.
Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI & President ECO-CCI, is presiding over the 30th Executive Committee and 20th General Assembly meeting of ECO-CCI at Federation House, Karachi. Also present on the occasion are H. E. Sheikh Yousef Hasan Khalawi, Secretary General Islamic Chamber; Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President FPCCI; Mr. Zubair Tufail, Former President FPCCI; Sheikh Umer Rehan, Chairman PVMA; along with other international business leaders, diplomats, delegates, and government officials.
Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh maintained that the institutional support for the region’s commercial development was highlighted through high-profile statements from key stakeholders, including Mr. Abdul Karim Memon, Director General of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) – representing the Ministry of Commerce.
Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh acknowledged that, focusing on the regional economy, significant remarks and messages were relayed by the leadership of the ECO Trade and Development Bank, the President of the ECO Science Foundation, the Secretary General of the OIC Arbitration Centre and the Secretary General of the ECO.
FPCCI Chief highlighted that a pivotal moment in the agenda was the signing ceremony between ECO-CCI and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) – where President Atif Ikram Sheikh and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Development (ICCD)’s Secretary General, H. E. Sheikh Yousef Hassan Khalawi, signed an important Memorandum of Understanding to institutionalize future cooperation.
Following the inaugural ceremony, the assembly transitioned into a robust working session aimed at operationalizing regional connectivity. The agenda featured presentations by the Chairpersons of ECO-CCI Specialized Committees – covering critical sectors such as trade facilitation, transportation, tourism, industry, investment, SME Promotion, and the Women Entrepreneurs Council.
Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, said that these sessions will provide a platform for heads of specialized committees and Pakistani representatives to discuss progress and strategies for economic growth.
SVP FPCCI continued that the assembly held in-depth discussions on future activities designed to enhance regional infrastructure and mobility. Key initiatives tabled for discussion include the holding of the ECO Exhibition, the implementation of the ECO Visa Sticker Initiative to ease business travel, the operationalization of the ECO Train Project, and the development of a dedicated ECO Website. The ECO-CCI updated the house on initiatives from the recent Regional Planning Committee meeting – ensuring alignment across member states, he added.
