A high level delegation of South Asian leaders and business representatives led by Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, President of SAARC CCI gathered in Islamabad on December 10, 2024, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the SAARC Charter and engage in a series of high-level meetings with key stakeholders.
The 40th SAARC Charter Day organized by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), brought together influential business community from across the region to explore avenues for stronger cooperation and economic integration.
His Excellency Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, while Hon’ble Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Industries and Production, served as the Chief Guest.
While speaking on the occasion Hon’ble Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Industries and Production, underscored the necessity of collective action for regional progress and prosperity. “As we celebrate this important milestone, let us remember that dialogue is the foundation of regional collaboration,” he remarked.
Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI stressed the pivotal role of the private sector of South Asia in driving economic growth and regional integration. “The private sector holds the key to unlocking South Asia’s immense potential,” he noted. “FPCCI is committed to partnering with our regional peers to achieve our mutual objectives.”
Mr. Jashim Uddin, President of SCCI, acknowledged the challenges confronting SAARC but expressed optimism for the future. “We must rejuvenate SAARC to fulfill its promise of delivering peace, prosperity, and development to the people of this region,” he urged.
SCCI leaders, including Mr. Shafquat Haider, Vice President, SCCI (Bangladesh), Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal, Vice President, SCCI (Nepal) and Mr. Mian Anjum Nisar, Vice president, SCCI (Pakistan) underscored the need for increased people-to-people and business-to-business interactions, simplified visa processes, enhanced cross-border infrastructure, and a focus on cooperation.
At the conclusion of the event, Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented by His Excellency, Governor KPK, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi and Honorable Minister to senior members of the SCCI who have dedicated over two decades of service including Mr. Iftikhar Ali Malik, Past President, SCCI, Mr. Macky Hashim, Past President, SCCI, Mr. Shafquat Haider, Vice President, SCCI (Bangladesh) and Mr. Zubair Ahmad Malik, Executive Committee Member, SCCI (Pakistan).
In addition to the Charter Day celebration, the SAARC CCI delegation called on Hon’ble Mr. Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan to discuss strategies for strengthening regional trade, fostering economic integration, and revitalizing trade within the South Asian region. The Hon’ble Minister emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating business and promoting regional commerce.
The delegation actively participated in the SAARC CCI 84th Executive Committee Meeting to address pressing regional economic issues, explore collaborative opportunities, and chart the future course of the chamber.
The visit of the South Asian delegation to Islamabad has marked a significant step towards strengthening regional cooperation and advancing economic integration in South Asia. Through these engagements, the business leaders reinforced their commitment to fostering a more prosperous and interconnected region.
