ISTANBUL: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has showcased Pakistan’s private-sector strength on the global stage by hosting its International Excellence Awards 2026 in Istanbul, where around 40 leading Pakistani business figures were recognized for their contribution to the national economy.
The event brought together senior Turkish officials, Pakistani diplomats, representatives of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and business leaders from both countries, with discussions focusing on stronger trade, investment and business-to-business ties between Pakistan and Türkiye.
The awards were presented by Deputy Governor of Istanbul Mehmet Sulun alongside Pakistan’s Consul General in Istanbul Khawaja Khurram Naeem, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood, Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Munir Ustun and ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub.
Greater B2B Engagement Can Unlock Economic Potential
Speaking as chief guest, Mehmet Sulun congratulated the award recipients and praised ICCI for bringing Pakistani entrepreneurs and business leaders to Türkiye.
He said initiatives of this kind could help expand people-to-people and business-to-business contacts while opening new avenues for trade, investment and joint ventures.
Sulun said business leaders were not only conducting commerce but also helping build bridges of friendship and understanding between Pakistan and Türkiye.
He expressed appreciation for ICCI, the Turkish ambassador to Pakistan, the Consulate General of Pakistan in Istanbul and other institutions involved in organizing the event.
Pakistan-Türkiye Brotherhood Must Translate Into Trade
Consul General Khawaja Khurram Naeem said stronger private-sector linkages were essential to convert the close political and fraternal relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye into greater economic cooperation.
He said increased B2B engagement could help both countries expand bilateral trade and investment and assured Pakistani businesses of continued diplomatic support for commercial outreach in Türkiye.
ICCI Positions Itself as Global Business Bridge
In his inaugural address, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said the chamber was working to position itself as a global business bridge for Pakistan by promoting exports, investment and international partnerships.
He said ICCI remained committed to helping take Pakistan-Türkiye trade and investment closer to the level envisioned by the leadership of both countries.
Tahir Mehmood also highlighted efforts to work with the government and relevant institutions to improve the ease of doing business and create a more competitive environment for Pakistan’s private sector.
Istanbul Chamber Calls for Stronger Institutional Links
Munir Ustun of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce said regular business exchanges, institutional cooperation and joint initiatives could help unlock the substantial untapped potential in bilateral trade and investment.
He welcomed ICCI’s efforts to deepen economic engagement between the two countries and called for stronger links between business institutions and private-sector players.
Pakistani Private Sector Has Global Potential
Zohair Majeed, Director of Faisal Town Group, said recognizing Pakistani business leaders on an international platform sent a strong message about the talent, resilience and entrepreneurial capacity of the country’s private sector.
He said deeper Pakistan-Türkiye business partnerships could create new opportunities in investment, technology transfer, exports and sustainable economic growth.
The ceremony was presented as a major ICCI initiative to promote Pakistan’s business potential internationally and strengthen long-term economic and commercial cooperation with Türkiye.
Also Read: ICCI Business Conference in Istanbul Opens New Avenues for Pakistan-Türkiye Trade
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