Pakistan will assume the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Business Council in 2027 through the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).
The appointment strengthens Pakistan’s role in regional economic cooperation and creates new opportunities for trade and investment. The leadership position will benefit Pakistan’s business community and deepen commercial engagement among SCO member states.
The announcement came during the SCO Business Council board meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, where FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh participated as the council’s deputy chairman. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting regional economic cooperation, improving trade facilitation, encouraging investment, and expanding business-to-business connectivity. Sheikh also led a high-level delegation of prominent businessmen and industrialists to explore new markets and strengthen trade relations.
The board meeting brought together representatives of national business communities, chambers of commerce, and private sector leaders from SCO member countries. Participants discussed strategies to enhance economic integration, strengthen commercial partnerships, and support sustainable development across the region.
During the discussions, Sheikh highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographic position, growing investment opportunities, and commitment to stronger economic ties with fellow SCO members.
Sheikh stressed the importance of improving regional connectivity, facilitating cross-border trade, promoting joint ventures, and expanding cooperation in industry, agriculture, energy, information technology, logistics, and infrastructure development.
He said the private sector plays a vital role in unlocking the region’s economic potential and advancing shared prosperity. The meeting also formally acknowledged that Pakistan, through FPCCI, will assume the SCO Business Council chairmanship in 2027.
FPCCI Vice President Tariq Khan Jadoon described the appointment as a great honour for Pakistan and the federation. He said FPCCI would work closely with all member states to strengthen economic cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and create new business opportunities across the SCO region. He added that Pakistan looks forward to leading initiatives that promote inclusive growth, innovation, and regional prosperity during its term.