FPCCI stresses need to tap economic potential in ECO region

Atif Ikram Sheikh, who leads the FPCCI and the ECO-CCI, told a meeting that the ECO bloc's economic potential must be converted into concrete trade and investment gains. According to Business Recorder, he urged stronger links between member states, easier trade flows and closer cooperation among private firms. The session drew national chamber representatives from every ECO member country.

Sheikh noted that intra-regional commerce stays well short of what the bloc could achieve, despite its geography, natural resources and a population exceeding 500 million. He called for practical steps such as removing trade bottlenecks, streamlining customs processes, easing business travel and reviving road and rail links, including the ECO Train. He also proposed an Action Agenda for 2026 to 2027, with initiatives assigned to individual chambers and progress monitored.

Sheikh also urged a shift from simple trade toward joint production and regional value chains in farming, food processing, textiles, minerals, energy, engineering, pharmaceuticals and information technology. ECO Secretary General Asad Majeed Khan said tariff and non-tariff barriers, logistical delays, limited B2B contact and payment problems keep intra-regional trade far below potential. Participants from ten member countries backed regular ECO exhibitions, sector-specific business meetings, and easier visas and transport.