KARACHI, MAY 19 /DNA/ – 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.