ISLAMABAD, JAN 5 /DNA/ – President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood, has underscored that a strong research and innovation ecosystem is indispensable for enhancing market-needed quality production, improving competitiveness, and enabling Pakistani exporters to sustainably integrate into global value chains.

He expressed these views while talking to a group of young entrepreneurs who called on him at the ICCI. The ICCI President said that in today’s knowledge-driven global economy, businesses that invest in research, product development, innovation, and technology adoption are better positioned to meet evolving international standards and consumer preferences.

Sardar Tahir Mehmood emphasized that Pakistani exporters must move beyond traditional practices and focus on value addition, compliance, branding, and innovation-led production to capture new markets. “Research-based decision-making and innovation are no longer optional; they are essential for producing goods that meet international quality benchmarks and changing market demands,” he remarked.

He highlighted the need for stronger linkages between industry, academia, and research institutions to ensure that innovation is aligned with real market needs. He also called for greater involvement of young entrepreneurs in applied research, start-ups, and commercialization of innovative ideas to drive export-oriented growth.

The ICCI President reaffirmed that the Chamber is committed to promoting an enabling environment for innovation by organizing capacity-building programs, industry-academia dialogues, and policy advocacy aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s export base. He assured the young entrepreneurs that ICCI would continue to support initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, research culture, and competitiveness in the business community.

The visiting entrepreneurs appreciated ICCI’s proactive role and expressed keen interest in collaborating with the Chamber to develop innovation-driven business models that can contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth and export diversification.