ISLAMABAD, FEB 7 /DNA/ – President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood, has stressed the need to further strengthen Pakistan’s diplomatic missions to play a proactive and results-oriented role in supporting Pakistani exporters in international markets.

In a statement issued here on Saturday, he said that in today’s competitive global environment, embassies and consulates must go beyond traditional diplomatic functions and actively facilitate trade promotion, market access, and business matchmaking for Pakistani products and services.

“Pakistani exporters face intense competition abroad. Our diplomatic missions can serve as effective bridges between local businesses and foreign markets by providing timely market intelligence, facilitating B2B connections, and addressing trade-related challenges,” Sardar Tahir Mehmood stated.

The ICCI President emphasized that commercial sections of embassies should be adequately staffed, professionally trained, and closely coordinated with chambers of commerce and trade bodies to ensure that exporters receive practical and targeted support.

He noted that enhanced engagement between diplomatic missions and the private sector would help diversify export destinations, promote value-added products, and strengthen Pakistan’s trade footprint globally.

Sardar Tahir Mehmood further said that sustained coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, and the business community is essential to translate diplomatic presence into tangible trade outcomes.

Reaffirming ICCI’s commitment, he said that the Chamber stands ready to collaborate with relevant government institutions to provide business input, exporter feedback, and market insights to Pakistan’s missions abroad. He expressed confidence that a more trade-focused diplomatic approach would contribute significantly to export-led growth, job creation, and overall economic stability.