Pakistan calls for stronger trade ties, easier financing across OIC

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan urged OIC members to expand trade cooperation and improve access to affordable financing at the 42nd COMCEC ministerial meeting in Istanbul, Mettis Global reported on November 6. He said members should turn shared commitments into practical results, with intra-OIC trade, transport links, tourism, agriculture, food security and digital transformation among the areas for joint work.

Khan said exporters, especially micro, small and medium-sized businesses, face obstacles including high collateral demands, transaction costs and lengthy procedures. His proposed cooperation priorities included aligning regulations, broadening financing options, export credit guarantees, Islamic finance and digital systems linking customs and banks; he also called for targeted support for women- and youth-led businesses. He urged COMCEC to help members put recommendations into practice through project support and institutional cooperation.