FPCCI President Showcases Pakistan’s Economic Potential at CACCI Webinar Engages Asia-Pacific Business Leaders on Investment Opportunities

Karachi: Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of
Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), President ECO Chamber of Commerce & Industry
(ECO-CCI), SVP SAARC-CCI and Vice President of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific
Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), delivered a comprehensive presentation
on “Doing Business in Pakistan: Current Trends and Latest Developments during a
high-level virtual session organized under the platform of CACCI.

The webinar was attended by more than 60 senior representatives, business leaders and
chamber members from across the Asia-Pacific region. In his keynote presentation, Mr.
Atif Ikram Sheikh highlighted Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic indicators, strategic
geographic location, young and skilled workforce, expanding digital economy and
wide-ranging investment opportunities in key sectors including agriculture & food
processing, information technology, minerals, logistics, renewable energy, tourism,
housing & construction, textile and automobile manufacturing.

While presenting Pakistan’s economic outlook, he informed participants that Pakistan’s
economy is showing signs of stabilization with improving growth prospects, controlled
inflation, enhanced foreign exchange stability and renewed investor confidence. He also
highlighted Pakistan’s trade agreements, export potential, special economic zones,
investor-friendly legal framework and the role of government reforms in strengthening
the business environment.

During the interactive question-and-answer session, members from various CACCI
countries raised important questions relating to Pakistan’s economic fundamentals,
industrial competitiveness, regional image and investment climate. Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh
comprehensively addressed queries on Pakistan’s core economic challenges, the role of
the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as a single-window platform for
investors, foreign direct investment trends, Pakistan’s industrial and trade policies,
preferential and free trade agreements, textile sector challenges, utility and fuel costs,
export competitiveness and sovereign credit ratings by international agencies including
Moody’s.

He also responded to questions regarding the regional geopolitical environment,
including the impact of the US-Iran conflict, Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting
regional peace and stability and Pakistan’s emergence as a responsible economic and
diplomatic stakeholder in South Asia and beyond. Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasized that
Pakistan offers substantial opportunities for international investors due to its strategic
connectivity with Central Asia, the Middle East, China, South Asia, and Europe, making
it a natural trade, logistics, and investment hub.

He further highlighted FPCCI’s role as the apex trade body of Pakistan representing
business, industry, and services sectors, and reaffirmed FPCCI’s commitment to
strengthening economic cooperation with CACCI member economies. The participants
appreciated the informative presentation and acknowledged Pakistan’s growing economic
potential and its strategic importance in regional trade and investment.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh thanked Mr. Peter McMullin, President CACCI, Mr. Darson Chiu,
Director General CACCI and all member chambers for their active participation and
support in making the webinar a success.

Brig Iftikhar Opel, SI (M), Retd.

Secretary General