Islamabad- On the invitation of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal, an industrialist and leading businessmen from Nepal, and Vice President of SCCI participated in the 40th anniversary of the SAARC Charter in Islamabad.
The event was hosted by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), brought together influential business leaders from across the South Asian Region to explore avenues for stronger cooperation and economic integration.
The Federal Minister of Industries from Pakistan, Hon’ble Rana Tanveer, graced the event as Chief Guest and Excellency, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the celebrations, Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal, Vice President, SCCI (Nepal), emphasized the importance of honoring the vision of SAARC’s founding leaders by fostering regional unity and collaboration, stating that the private sector stands ready to serve as a bridge between governments and people, driving growth and creating a future of dignity, opportunity, and peace for every citizen of South Asia.
Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of Federation Pakistan Chambers, emphasized the pivotal role of the private sector in driving economic growth and regional integration in South Asia. “The private sector holds the key to unlocking South Asia’s immense potential,” he noted. “FPCCI is committed to partnering with our regional peers to achieve our mutual objectives.”
A delegation of fifty business leaders from across the SAARC region was led by Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, President of SCCI. He acknowledged the challenges confronting SAARC but expressed optimism for the future. “We must rejuvenate SAARC to fulfill its promise of delivering peace, prosperity, and development to the people of this region,” he urged.
SCCI leaders, including Mr. Shafquat Haider, Vice President, SCCI (Bangladesh), Mian Anjum Nisar, Vice President, SCCI (Pakistan), and Mr. Umesh Lal Shrestha, Executive Committee Member, SCCI (Nepal), emphasized the need for increased people-to-people and business-to- business interactions, simplified visa processes, enhanced cross-border infrastructure, and a focus on cooperation.
At the conclusion of the event, Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to senior members of SCCI for their dedicated service to the organization and region over two decades. Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal was awarded a token of appreciation for his invaluable contribution towards the SAARC mechanism and regional development.
In addition to the Charter Day celebration, the SCCI delegation called on Hon’ble Mr. Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan to discuss strategies for strengthening regional trade, fostering economic integration, and revitalizing trade within the South Asian region. The Hon’ble Minister emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating business and promoting regional commerce.
The SCCI Nepal chapter also actively participated in the SCCI 84th Executive Committee Meeting to address pressing regional economic issues, explore collaborative opportunities, and chart the future course of the chamber.
The visit of the South Asian delegation to Islamabad marked a significant step towards strengthening regional cooperation and advancing economic integration in South Asia.
Through these engagements, the business leaders reinforced their commitment to fostering a more prosperous and interconnected region.
