Pakistan will take over the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Business Council in 2027, helping strengthen regional trade and its position in the organization.
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) will represent Pakistan during its tenure as chair of the council, reflecting growing confidence among SCO member states in the country’s contribution to regional trade and economic development.
The announcement was made following the SCO Business Council Board Meeting held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, where FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, who currently serves as Deputy Chairman of the SCO Business Council, led Pakistan’s delegation.
According to an official statement, Sheikh reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting stronger economic integration among SCO member countries by encouraging trade facilitation, investment, business partnerships, and private-sector collaboration.
The Pakistani delegation included prominent business leaders and industrialists who participated in discussions aimed at identifying new investment opportunities, expanding commercial ties, and exploring emerging markets across the SCO region. In this connection, Sheikh highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographic location, improving investment climate, and expanding economic potential.
Pakistan is well positioned to serve as a regional trade and transit hub connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Private sector must play a leading role in unlocking the region’s economic potential through increased business-to-business engagement, joint ventures, and cross-border investment initiatives.
Sheikh also called for greater cooperation in key sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, energy, information technology, logistics, infrastructure, and transport, noting that stronger regional connectivity would benefit all SCO economies.
Read also: Pakistan, China launch e-mining platform, sign MoUs on minerals
