Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan inaugurated the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Business and Investment Conference on Thursday at a local hotel.
The high-profile event was attended by senior ministers, government officials, foreign diplomats, representatives from SCO member states, and key figures from Pakistan’s business community, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening trade and economic ties within the region, according to a press release.
In his address, Jam Kamal Khan warmly welcomed the attendees and commended the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) for organizing the event. He emphasized the importance of people-to-people contact in boosting economic cooperation among SCO member states, noting that the historical and cultural connections between these nations provide a strong basis for future collaboration.
The minister highlighted the multi-dimensional nature of relations among SCO countries, mentioning shared geography, ideology, and economic challenges.
He also extended a warm welcome to Belarus as the newest addition to the SCO family, expressing optimism about its active role in SCO-related activities.
In his remarks, Jam Kamal urged businesses within the SCO region to diversify and capitalize on emerging opportunities, especially considering the global shift of economic activities towards Asia.
He stressed the importance of creating positive links and connectivity beyond the SCO region, advocating for mutually beneficial interactions with neighbouring Asian countries to build a “win-win support system.”
The minister also underscored the vital role of the private sector in driving economic progress, stating, “The distribution of resources, technological advancement, and global trade largely depend on the strength of business institutions.”
He reiterated that investor confidence is key to driving economic growth and reassured participants of Pakistan’s positive investment climate, supported by proactive government measures.
Highlighting Pakistan’s market potential, Jam Kamal described the country as home to over 240 million resilient people, with a predominantly young and creative population.
Jam Kamal expressed optimism about Pakistan’s economic future, noting that investor sentiment is now more positive due to the government’s efforts to overcome recent challenges.
The conference provided a platform for delegates to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan and within the broader SCO region.
The two-day event is expected to bolster bilateral trade, encourage investment, and deepen economic ties among member states.
The Commerce Minister concluded his speech by thanking FPCCI for organizing the timely conference and expressed hope that it would lead to valuable partnerships and increased regional cooperation.
Source: Dunya News
