‘Pakistan to assume chairmanship of SCO Business Council’

KARACHI: AtifI kram Shiekh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Business Council board meeting held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The FPCCI president said that the most significant outcome of the meeting was the formal acknowledgment that Pakistan, through the FPCCI, would assume the chairmanship of the SCO Business Council for the term 2027. The forthcoming chairmanship reflects the confidence of the SCO member states in Pakistan’s constructive role within the organization and presents an important opportunity for the country’s business community to contribute to shaping the Council’s future agenda. It is pertinent to note that the president of the FPCCI also holds the post of the Deputy Chairman of the SCO Business Council, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to advancing regional economic cooperation, trade facilitation, investment promotion, and business-to-business connectivity among the SCO member states. AtifIkram Sheikh led a high-profile delegation including leading businessmen and industrialists aimed to explore new markets, enhancing economic and trade relations. He said that the high-level Board meeting brought together representatives of national business communities, chambers of commerce, and private sector leaders from the SCO member countries to discuss strategies for enhancing economic integration, strengthening commercial partnerships, and promoting sustainable development across the SCO region. During the meeting, the FPCCI president highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographic position, growing investment opportunities, and the country’s commitment to fostering stronger economic ties with fellow SCO member states. He emphasized the vital role of the private sector in unlocking the region’s vast economic potential and advancing shared prosperity. AtifIkram Sheikh underscored the importance of enhancing regional connectivity, facilitating cross-border trade, promoting joint ventures, and encouraging greater collaboration in key sectors including industry, agriculture, energy, information technology, logistics, and infrastructure development. Tariq Khan Jadoon, FPCCI vice president, stated that it was a great honor for Pakistan and the FPCCI to be entrusted with the chairmanship of the SCO Business Council in 2027. “We are committed to working closely with all member states to strengthen economic cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and create new opportunities for businesses across the SCO region, ” he said. Pakistan looks forward to leading initiatives that promote inclusive growth, innovation, and regional prosperity. The FPCCI delegation attended the SCO Business & Investment Forum followed by B2B meetings and also held bilateral interactions with counterparts from various SCO member countries to explore avenues for enhanced trade, investment, technology transfer, and industrial cooperation. While travelling to the Kyrgyz Republic, FPCCIpresident and members of the delegation acknowledged the support and cooperation of Altamash Wazir Khan, ambassador of Pakistan to the Kyrgyz Republic. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Read full story on Business Recorder