The presidency of the SCO is a manifestation of confidence in Pakistan’s global and regional role, said Atif Ikram Sheikh, noting that there are vast opportunities for promoting trade, investment, and mutual connections.

Islamabad (Special Correspondent) – Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Vice Chairman of the SCO Business Council, stated that Pakistan has officially assumed the presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization during the summit for the term 2026-27, marking a significant diplomatic achievement and a testament to Pakistan’s global and regional role. He mentioned that Pakistan will play an active role in promoting regional trade and economic cooperation through the SCO platform, highlighting the vast opportunities for increasing trade, investment, and mutual connections among SCO member states. Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasized that measures will be taken to make the SCO’s economic agenda more effective and active under Pakistan’s presidency, with regional connectivity, transit trade, and investment being key pillars of economic cooperation. He noted that the SCO Business Council is playing a crucial role in bringing the regional business community closer and promoting mutual investment, and is committed to creating new business opportunities for Pakistani traders and industrialists through the SCO Business Council platform. The FPCCI President stated that Pakistan’s presidency of the SCO presents an excellent opportunity to promote peace, stability, and joint economic development in the region, and that Pakistan aims to strengthen trade ties with Central Asia, China, Russia, and other SCO countries, which will not only enhance trade and investment but also further stabilize mutual connections among the countries in the region.