ECO Member States Call for Stronger Regional Connectivity, Trade Integration and Women Entrepreneurship Initiatives Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI & ECO-CCI

Karachi: Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce
& Industry (FPCCI) and Economic Cooperation Organization Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (ECO-CCI), has said that the member states of ECO region have reaffirmed their
commitment to strengthening regional economic cooperation, transport connectivity, trade
facilitation, tourism promotion, industrial collaboration, SME development and women
entrepreneurship.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh expressed these views while addressing the meeting of Specialized
Committees of ECO-CCI – which was chaired by the Secretary General of ECO-CCI and
attended by representatives of all national chambers and business communities from ECO
member countries.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh has apprised that detailed presentations were made by representatives of
member states on key sectors; including transportation, tourism, trade facilitation, industry,
investment, small & medium enterprises (SMEs), women entrepreneurship and visa facilitation.
Representatives shared their national experiences, policy recommendations and proposals aimed
at enhancing economic cooperation and promoting greater private-sector engagement within the
ECO region.

Director of the Economic Cooperation Organization Secretariat also made a comprehensive
presentation on regional trade, transportation connectivity, transit systems and visa facilitation
mechanisms – and, highlighted the importance of implementing existing regional agreements and
frameworks for achieving stronger economic integration.

During the discussion, the participants emphasized the urgent need for revival and
operationalization of the Istanbul–Tehran–Islamabad Container Train / ECO Train and other
regional transport corridors to facilitate smooth movement of goods and strengthen connectivity
among ECO member states.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh highlighted that, despite enormous economic potential, strategic
geographic location and shared cultural and historical ties, intra-regional trade among ECO
countries remains below expectations and requires coordinated efforts to unlock its true potential.

The members also underlined the importance of simplifying customs procedures, improving visa
facilitation, promoting tourism linkages and creating stronger institutional mechanisms to
support SMEs, industrial cooperation and cross-border investment.

The Women Entrepreneurs Forum participants strongly emphasized the need for regular and
proactive interaction among women business leaders of ECO member countries. They also
proposed organization of dedicated regional exhibitions, trade fairs and networking platforms for
women entrepreneurs to promote women-led businesses and strengthen regional business
partnerships.

President ECO-CCI, Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, appreciated the active participation of all member
states and reaffirmed ECO-CCI’s commitment to revitalizing regional cooperation, promoting
business-to-business engagement and transforming the ECO region into a stronger platform for
trade, investment and economic prosperity.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to continue regular sectoral engagements and practical
initiatives for enhancing regional connectivity, trade and private-sector collaboration among
ECO member countries

Brig Iftikhar Opel, SI (M), Retd.
Secretary General