Nazir Hussain, President Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit will be a platform to promote regional cooperation, trade, and financial connectivity among member states during a meeting held at PCJCCI Secretariat today. The Cou¬ncil of the Heads of Gover-nment (CHG) is the second-highest decision-making body in the SCO and plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s economic initiatives and deciding institutional matters. He emphasized that the summit will help in enhancement of trade relationships, the optimization of customs processes, and the promotion of deeper economic partnerships among member nations. He also shared about Pakistan’s dire economic situation marked by rising inflation, dwindling foreign reserves, and sluggish growth presents an urgent need for new economic partnerships.

This is where the SCO’s economic dimension comes into play. By deepening its ties with member states, Pakistan stands to benefit from regional markets, infrastructure investments, and increased trade flows, particularly through China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Brig. Mansoor Saeed Sheikh (Retd) Senior Vice President PCJCCI said that summit would boost Pakistan’s image and its future prospects, particularly at a time when the country is seeing positive developments in its economy. He also highlighted the importance of the SCO as a key forum for regional cooperation, calling it an honour for Pakistan to host the summit. He also emphasized the need for long-term peace in the Middle East and the importance of addressing the Palestinian issue, stating that Pakistan has always advocated for promoting peace at the SCO forum. Zafar Iqbal, Vice President PCJCCI said highlighted the importance of the digital economy for Pakistan, and the potential for regional integration through digital technologies.

About 68% of Pakistan’s population consists of youth, and a large number of them are freelancers so the digital economy is very important for the country. Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General PCJCCI said that Pakistan’s strategic location has long been seen as a geopolitical asset, but domestic challenges have often prevented it from fully leveraging this position. Now, through active participation in multilateral platforms like the SCO, Pakistan can secure both economic benefits and diplomatic capital. Pakistan must also emphasize its strategic role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and position itself as a key player in connecting Central Asia to global markets. By doing so, it can strengthen ties with not just China but also with Central Asian republics that are eager for greater connectivity and economic integration.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan