Islamabad: A delegation from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) extended an invitation to Federal Minister for Commerce, Mr. Jam Kamal Khan, to lead Pakistan's delegation at two pivotal regional events in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The events include the 7th South Asian Business Leaders Conclave (SBLC) in June 2025 and the South Asian Bazaar scheduled for May 19-21, 2025.
The SBLC, hosted by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) alongside Bangladesh's Ministry of Commerce, aims to provide a platform for regional economic dialogue and trade facilitation. National chambers from all SAARC member states support the event.
The South Asian Bazaar is set to feature leading businesses from across South Asia, with Pakistan poised for a strong presence. Over 50 Pakistani companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and women-led businesses, have confirmed participation. These entities mostly hail from Interior Sindh, Balochistan, and major urban areas.
The delegation included Ms. Hina Mansab Khan, Chairperson of the SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneurs Council (SCWEC), Mr. Sohail Anwar, Coordinator at FPCCI, Mr. Zulfiqar Butt, Secretary General of SCCI, Mr. Bader Munir, Director of SCCI, and Ms. Ambreen Zaman, a senior manager at the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund.
Mr. Zulfiqar Butt urged the Minister to lead the official delegation to the SBLC and support Pakistani exhibitors at the South Asian Bazaar. He stressed the importance of logistical and financial aid to boost participation from Pakistani SMEs, artisans, and women entrepreneurs.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan praised the collaborative efforts of FPCCI and SCCI, expressing gratitude for the invitation. He reiterated the Ministry's support for SME growth and regional trade expansion, noting that these events are crucial for enhancing Pakistan's economic ties within South Asia, particularly with Bangladesh.
Ms. Hina Mansab Khan suggested organizing a fashion show during the South Asian Bazaar to highlight the talents of women-led enterprises from Pakistan. She emphasized that such an event would elevate the visibility of Pakistan's fashion and textile industries and encourage cultural exchange.
Mr. Sohail Anwar remarked that Bangladesh provides a valuable platform for such exhibitions, which could significantly enhance bilateral relations and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting concluded with mutual optimism and firm commitments to ensure a vibrant Pakistani presence at both the South Asian Bazaar and the SBLC in 2025.