Islamabad, April 22, 2025 – The Europe Today: The inaugural meeting of the newly formed Foreign Relations Committee was held at the Guard Hall of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry Capital House in Islamabad. The meeting was presided over by Mr. Malik Sohail Hussain, Chairman Coordinator FPCCI, and co-chaired by Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah, Convenor of the Foreign Relations Committee, along with Mr. Ovais Ali Khokhar, Deputy Convenor of the Committee.
Distinguished attendees included Mr. Khalid Taimoor Akram, Mr. Tayyab Chatta, and prominent members of the business community such as Dr. Farah Rani, Ms. Sarah Farooq, Mr. Abdul Basit, Mr. Shoeb Ahmed, Mr. Malik Amjad, Mr. Makhdoom Sher Iqbal, Mr. Sardar Sajjad, Omer Rasool, and Muhammad Mateen Khan, Shamsher Iqbal, while Mr. Ghazi Ali Hassan, Ms. Hina Shahid, and Sardar Khan Khosa virtually joined the meeting.
The session commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Following this, Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah extended a warm welcome and expressed gratitude to all committee members, representatives from various business sectors and Foreign Relations Experts for their presence. He provided an overview of the FPCCI, emphasizing its role as the apex body of all chambers in Pakistan dedicated to strengthening trade and fostering economic cooperation at national and international levels.
Mr. Ahsan Shah elaborated on the vision and purpose behind the establishment of the Foreign Relations Committee. He stated that the committee aims to serve as a vital bridge between FPCCI and the global community, enhancing economic and trade relations with international chambers, trade organizations, and business entities around the world by engaging Diplomatic Community.
Mr. Ahsan praised and thanked Mr. Atif Ikram, President FPCCI for appointed him as Convener of Foreign Relations Committee, he said that his determination and efforts in enhancing trade and business both within Pakistan and on an international level are commendable. He added that Mr. Atif’s visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and strategic approach that have significantly contributed to the growth of economic opportunities.
He also thanked Mr. Malik Sohail Hussain on his appointment as Convenor of the Foreign Relations Committee. He acknowledged Mr. Sohail’s deep understanding of international affairs and his long-standing dedication to strengthening Pakistan’s global business ties.
Mr. Sohail commended Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah’s efforts in building strong ties with the international community. He noted that Mr. Ahsan’s expertise is highly suited for this leadership role and expressed confidence in his ability to make the committee impactful for the betterment of Pakistan’s economy.
He further conveyed that Mr. Atif Ikram, President FPCCI, acknowledged Mr. Ahsan Shah’s contributions and appointed him as Convenor—a development seen as positive and strategic for both FPCCI and the wider business community.
Reaffirming FPCCI’s full support, Mr. Sohail also highlighted the role of the FPCCI Research and Development Department, which will provide analytical insights, identify trade and investment challenges, and help uncover new opportunities to attract foreign investment across key sectors of Pakistan.
Mr. Ovais Ali Khokhar, Deputy Convenor, also welcomed attendees and reiterated the committee’s mission to promote trade, business, and investment between Pakistan and other countries. He expressed optimism that the committee would operate in line with its objectives and guidelines, playing a key role in driving economic growth and foreign investment.
During the session, Mr. Khalid Taimoor Akram shared encouraging news that more than 13 companies from China, representing various sectors, are planning to visit Pakistan as part of a delegation of over 20 business leaders who have shown keen interest in investing in the country. Mr. Khalid Taimoor Akram highlighted his extensive experience in fostering connectivity with Eurasian and Central Asian countries, as well as his strong relationships with their business and diplomatic communities. He emphasized that this background enables him to effectively contribute to the committee’s efforts in strengthening business and trade relations with these nations. Mr. Akram also pledged his full support to the committee.
The committee hailed this as a significant and positive development for Pakistan’s economic landscape and pledged their collective support to facilitate and ensure the success of such investments.
Further discussions focused on identifying countries for future engagements and meetings with their ambassadors to explore potential avenues for business collaboration and trade expansion. Members also recommended organizing interactions with Deans of the Diplomatic Corps and Deans of Different continents from both new and existing partner nations to further enhance bilateral trade and economic relations.
The committee proposed the active involvement of international ambassadors in upcoming meetings to achieve more effective and impactful outcomes. A strategic framework was outlined to form subcommittees focusing on specific regions—America, Africa, Eurasia, the Middle East, and Europe. These dedicated groups will be responsible for executing targeted tasks and facilitating smoother coordination and execution of the committee’s initiatives.
In conclusion, the committee pledged its full support to the FPCCI in its efforts to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with the international community. These efforts are expected to help Pakistan attract foreign investment and enhance trade relations with other nations.
