Atif Ikram Sheikh promotes Pakistan-ASEAN trade ties

Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has been nominated for the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz national honour. Addressing a delegation of traders and industrialists led by Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Acting President Irfan Chaudhry, Sheikh stated that the nomination serves as a recognition of Pakistan’s entire business community rather than a personal achievement.

In a separate initiative to expand economic ties, the FPCCI held an ASEAN Day commemoration in Karachi. During the event, Sheikh called for more proactive engagement between Pakistan and ASEAN nations, emphasizing trade, investment, technology cooperation, and business-to-business linkages.

To facilitate this, the FPCCI is working to establish a Pakistan-ASEAN Business Council. Key sectors identified for potential cooperation include textiles, information technology, agriculture, engineering, and the blue economy. Officials also highlighted the need for improved air and maritime connectivity to support cargo and tourism movement.