FPCCI, ECO-CCI host 30th Executive Body & 20th General Assembly meetings

KARACHI: 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 – which is being termed as a huge honour for the country vis-à-vis regional, trade and economic diplomacy.

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 Atif Ikram Sheikh, who delivered the welcome address and a comprehensive presentation on the organization’s activities.

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.

Atif Ikram Sheikh maintained that the institutional support for the region’s commercial development was highlighted through high-profile statements from key stakeholders, including Abdul Karim Memon, Director General of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) – representing the Ministry of Commerce.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, HE 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.

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.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026