Diplomatic support sought to boost B2B connectivity

Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol urged closer ties between local businesses and diplomatic missions to expand trade and investment, according to The Express Tribune. Speaking at the LCCI Ambassadors' Dinner 2026, he noted that embassies and their commercial sections had helped Pakistani firms find new markets, credible partners and the confidence to invest overseas. He also thanked missions for arranging business meetings and linking local companies with counterparts abroad.

Saigol argued that diplomacy mattered more than ever for commerce, as firms require calm conditions, steady rules and foreseeable policy to expand. He saw openings for joint work in agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, IT, renewable power, logistics, mining and tourism, and pointed to Pakistan's large population as an opportunity for international partnerships. He also called for extra help for SMEs, saying they can make quality goods but need direction on international standards.

The chamber also said it was willing to cooperate with missions via periodic gatherings and sector-focused discussions, and proposed follow-up steps so that event contacts produce concrete commercial results. Chief guest Atadjan Movlamov, Turkmenistan's envoy and dean of the diplomatic community, called economic diplomacy an indispensable tool and said goodwill should produce practical cooperation. German and Portuguese envoys also highlighted business-to-business linkages, trade, investment and private-sector ties.