Aun Ali Syed Highlights Pakistan’s Strategic Role in Regional Connectivity
Special Correspondent
BAKU: Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI),ECO CCI, and Vice President CACCI, along with Aun Ali Syed, Vice President FPCCI, Dr. Afshan and Ms. Hiba, Advisors to the President FPCCI, and Sahibzadi Maheen, Member of the ECO CCI National Committee of Pakistan, participated with distinction in the 6th ECO Business Forum, held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
This high-level regional event, organized under the banner of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), brought together top government officials, business leaders, and policymakers from the member states to deliberate on strengthening economic linkages, promoting trade, investment, and enhancing regional integration.
The Pakistani delegation played a prominent and proactive role during the proceedings.
Atif Ikram Sheikh, in his keynote speech, emphasized the urgent need for practical steps toward enhanced regional trade facilitation, transport connectivity, energy cooperation, and digital integration across ECO member states. He called for greater collaboration among business communities to unlock the vast potential of intra-regional commerce, highlighting the critical role of the private sector in achieving shared prosperity.
Aun Ali Syed, in his address, focused on strengthening bilateral trade relations and fostering mutual economic interests between Pakistan and other ECO member countries. He underscored Pakistan’s unique geographic and economic position as a gateway to South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, stressing the importance of leveraging opportunities in trade, energy, logistics, and cross-border investment. He also called for joint ventures, trade delegations, and the removal of trade barriers to ensure sustainable regional economic growth.
Dr. Afshan and Ms. Hiba, as senior advisors, and Sahibzadi Maheen, in her role as a member of the ECO CCI National Committee of Pakistan, actively participated in breakout sessions, offering valuable insights on trade policy reforms, women’s empowerment in trade, and inclusive economic development.
The FPCCI delegation’s presence and active engagement not only enhanced Pakistan’s profile on the regional economic stage but also reaffirmed FPCCI’s commitment to fostering strong economic partnerships, advocating for private sector interests, and contributing meaningfully to the ECO vision of economic cooperation and shared growth.
