Secretary General of SAARC, Md. Golam Sarwar maiden visit to Pakistan

May 22, 2024, Islamabad, Pakistan

(L-R) Mr. Bader Munir, Director, Internal Affairs, SCCI, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Butt, Secretary General, SCCI, Mr. Safar Shah, Executive Committee Member, SCCI (Pakistan), Mian Anjum Nisar, Vice President, SCCI (Pakistan), Mr. Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General SAARC, Mr. Atif Ikram, President, FPCCI, Ms. Hina Mansab khan, Chairperson SCWEC, Mr. Zubair Ahmed Malik, Executive Committee Member, SCCI (Pakistan), Mr. Aun Ali Syed, Executive Member, SYEF (Pakistan), Mr. Mumtaz Khan, Assistant Director, Internal Affairs, SCCI, Ms. Fatima Anwar, Associate Director Communications, SCCI

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in collaboration with SCCI hosted a dinner in honor of His Excellency Mr. Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of SAARC, during his maiden visit to Pakistan since assuming office in June 2023. The distinguished gathering was held at the Serena Hotel, Islamabad, Pakistan, on May 22, 2024.

Mr. Sohail Malik, Chairman Coordinator, FPCCI Capital Office, Islamabad presided over the event, extending a warm welcome to the distinguished dignitaries and representatives from the business community of Pakistan.

Mr. Atif Ikram, President, FPCCI while welcoming excellency, highlighted the critical role of regional cooperation in achieving prosperity across South Asia. "The prosperity of the region is highly dependent on regional cooperation, especially regional economic and commercial cooperation," stated Mr. Ikram. "We, the business community of South Asia, believe that business remains the most important partner in this path towards meaningful cooperation. We are not only an association that is open for business, but today we are also committed to being open to business across the region without any biases."

The Secretary General of SAARC, Mr. Md. Golam Sarwar while speaking at the occasion lauded the commendable efforts of the SAARC Apex and Allied bodies. He pledged relentless efforts to fortify cooperation among Member States, striving to unlock the full potential of SAARC. Expressing concerns, Mr. Sarwar stated that since the last SAARC summit held in 2014, no major events at the government level have taken place to support the renewal and functioning of the SAARC apex bodies. This lack of activity has impacted not only the SCCI but all Apex and Allied bodies of SAARC.

While addressing the august gathering, Mian Anjum Nisar, Vice President, SCCI (Pakistan) emphasized that nature has endowed South Asia with every opportunity and resource necessary for development. However, to fully harness these opportunities, connectivity is crucial.

"Today, we require digital, financial, physical, and, most importantly, people-to-people connectivity, especially B2B connectivity," stated Mr. Nisar. "South Asia can only prosper with greater integration. For this integration, SAARC needs seamless movement of people across borders to streamline supply chains and enhance collaboration in trade and manufacturing."

Mr. Nisar also shed light on the pressing issues confronting apex bodies of SAARC, since the last SAARC Standing Committee meeting, urging His Excellency to address these concerns pertaining to recognized bodies and to pave the way for dialogue, cooperation, and regional integration.

The event witnessed the distinguished presence of diplomatic missions from SAARC countries, alongside representatives from the Islamabad business community and office bearers of SCCI.