UK, Commonwealth institutions: SAARC CCI for stronger trade, investment engagement

LONDON: President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI) Chandi Raj Dhakal has called for stronger economic and private-sector linkages between South Asia, the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth, stressing the need to translate institutional dialogue into tangible trade, investment and business opportunities.

Dhakal made these remarks during a series of high-level engagements in London, with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) meetings forming the key focus of the SAARC CCI delegation’s visit.

The delegation held detailed discussions with representatives of the Commonwealth Unit, South Asia Team, Growth Directorate, BIST and the Commonwealth Trade Team, focusing on trade and investment, business connectivity, digital trade and opportunities for stronger engagement between South Asian and UK/Commonwealth businesses.

Dhakal stated “South Asia represents one of the most dynamic economic regions of the world. We need to move beyond dialogue and create practical business connections that enable companies to trade, invest, partner and grow across our markets.” He emphasized that chambers and private-sector institutions could play a critical role in turning policy discussions into commercial opportunities.

The SAARC CCI delegation also held a productive meeting at Scotland House London with Dr. Liz Cameron CBE, former Director and Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Founder/Director of Cameron Group.

Dr Rohitha Silva, Senior Vice President SAARC CCI and President FCCISL, said the London engagements provided an important platform for connecting South Asian businesses with UK and Commonwealth markets.

“Sri Lanka strongly supports greater private-sector connectivity between South Asia and the Commonwealth. These linkages can open new markets, investment opportunities and partnerships for businesses across the region.”

Dr Mariyam Shakeela, Vice President SAARC CCI (Maldives), highlighted the importance of inclusive regional cooperation and greater opportunities for smaller economies whereas Engr Ghulam Mohammed Alomgir, Vice President SAARC CCI (Bangladesh), emphasized the importance of expanding business-to-business engagement.

The discussions explored opportunities to strengthen commercial relations between Scotland and South Asia, including trade missions, business-to-business matchmaking, investment promotion, SME development and market access.

Earlier, the delegation engaged with the Commonwealth Secretariat Trade Team at Marlborough House, where discussions focused on global trade developments, the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda, digital trade and stronger private-sector participation in Commonwealth economic cooperation.

The delegation also met Mark Jenkinson of the South East London Chamber, discussing avenues for greater chamber-to-chamber and business-to-business cooperation.

The London engagements were facilitated by Arif Zaman, Advisor to SAARC CCI in the EU and Executive Director of the Commonwealth Women Business Network, who played a key role in facilitating meetings between SAARC CCI and Commonwealth institutions. Zaman said the engagements could help establish sustained institutional linkages and create opportunities for trade, investment, women entrepreneurs and SMEs across the two regions.

A delegation led by Chandi Raj Dhakal, President SAARC CCI included senior representatives from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan and Nepal.

The SAARC CCI delegation comprised Dr. Rohitha Silva, Senior Vice President (Sri Lanka); Engr Ghulam Mohammed Alomgir, Vice President (Bangladesh); Mariyam Shakeela, Vice President (Maldives); Zulfiqar Ali Butt, Secretary General, SAARC CCI; Shova Gyawali, Executive Committee Member (Nepal); Khawaja Shahzeb Akram, Executive Committee Member (Pakistan); Girisa Bandula Egodage, Executive Committee Member (Sri Lanka); Basanti Mishra Pradhan, General Assembly Member (Nepal); Ava Shah, General Assembly Member (Nepal); Aun Ali Syed (Pakistan); Dinesh Kumara Nadaraja, Executive Member, SAARC Young Entrepreneurs Forum (Sri Lanka); Yapa Mudiyanselage Sahan Hasitha Kumara, Executive Member, SAARC Young Entrepreneurs Forum (Sri Lanka); and Abdul Mubeen, Life Member (Pakistan).

The London engagements form part of SAARC CCI’s continuing efforts to expand international partnerships and create new avenues for trade, investment and business-to-business cooperation for the private sector across the eight SAARC member states.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026