KARACHI, MAY 19 /DNA/ – Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) and Economic Cooperation Organization Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECO-CCI), has said that the member states of ECO region have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional economic cooperation, transport connectivity, trade facilitation, tourism promotion, industrial collaboration, SME development and women entrepreneurship.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh expressed these views while addressing the meeting of Specialized Committees of ECO-CCI – which was chaired by the Secretary General of ECO-CCI and attended by representatives of all national chambers and business communities from ECO member countries.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh has apprised that detailed presentations were made by representatives of member states on key sectors; including transportation, tourism, trade facilitation, industry, investment, small & medium enterprises (SMEs), women entrepreneurship and visa facilitation. Representatives shared their national experiences, policy recommendations and proposals aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and promoting greater private-sector engagement within the ECO region.

Director of the Economic Cooperation Organization Secretariat also made a comprehensive presentation on regional trade, transportation connectivity, transit systems and visa facilitation mechanisms – and, highlighted the importance of implementing existing regional agreements and frameworks for achieving stronger economic integration.

During the discussion, the participants emphasized the urgent need for revival and operationalization of the Istanbul–Tehran–Islamabad Container Train / ECO Train and other regional transport corridors to facilitate smooth movement of goods and strengthen connectivity among ECO member states.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh highlighted that, despite enormous economic potential, strategic geographic location and shared cultural and historical ties, intra-regional trade among ECO countries remains below expectations and requires coordinated efforts to unlock its true potential.

The members also underlined the importance of simplifying customs procedures, improving visa facilitation, promoting tourism linkages and creating stronger institutional mechanisms to support SMEs, industrial cooperation and cross-border investment.

The Women Entrepreneurs Forum participants strongly emphasized the need for regular and proactive interaction among women business leaders of ECO member countries. They also proposed organization of dedicated regional exhibitions, trade fairs and networking platforms for women entrepreneurs to promote women-led businesses and strengthen regional business partnerships.

President ECO-CCI, Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, appreciated the active participation of all member states and reaffirmed ECO-CCI’s commitment to revitalizing regional cooperation, promoting business-to-business engagement and transforming the ECO region into a stronger platform for trade, investment and economic prosperity.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to continue regular sectoral engagements and practical initiatives for enhancing regional connectivity, trade and private-sector collaboration among ECO member countries.

ISLAMABAD, MAY 19 /DNA/ – The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet met today at the Finance Division under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.

The ECC approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training for allocation of Rs. 3,915.24 million through Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) for the Prime Minister Youth Skill Development Programme through NAVTTC and establishment of Danish Schools in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan.

The ECC further approved two summaries submitted by the Ministry of Interior & Narcotics Control, including TSG amounting to Rs. 160 million for repair and maintenance of the Prime Minister’s Office during FY 2025-26, and allocation of Rs. 480 million for recurring operational requirements of Frontier Corps KP (North) Hospital at Shakas, District Khyber. The Committee was informed that following winding up of Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD), maintenance responsibilities of the Prime Minister’s Office had been transferred to the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The ECC further noted that the approved allocation for FC KP (North) Hospital would support uninterrupted provision of healthcare and operational services for FC personnel, families of Shuhadas, and injured soldiers.

The ECC considered and approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination for a TSG of Rs. 1,500 million for the Prime Minister National Health Programme (4th Revised) during PSDP 2025-26. The programme, previously known as Sehat Sahulat Programme, is a fully public-financed social health protection initiative aimed at expanding healthcare coverage and supporting access to medical services.

The Committee also approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan regarding enhancement of monthly Subsistence/Guzara Allowance for Jammu & Kashmir Refugees of 1989 from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 6,000 per person with effect from 01 February 2026, along with allocation of Rs. 578.838 million through TSG for the period ending 30 June 2026. The Committee directed the concerned Ministry to take up future budgetary requirements with the Finance Division for the next budget cycle.

The ECC considered a summary submitted by the Ministry of Railways regarding allocation of additional grant for payment of outstanding liabilities under the Prime Minister Assistance Package. After detailed deliberation, the Committee approved Rs. 1 billion as Prime Minister Assistance Package, and directed the Railways Division to undertake a broader review of their pension liabilities. The ECC also directed the Establishment Division to review the overall policy framework relating to the Prime Minister Assistance Package.

The ECC further approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Food Security & Research for allocation of Rs. 1 billion through TSG for operationalization of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA). The Authority was established to strengthen regulatory oversight relating to food safety, plant health, livestock, and agro-chemicals in line with international standards and trade requirements.

The Committee also granted in-principle approval for restructuring of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) through sale of 30% shareholding and transfer of management control to National Logistics Corporation (NLC), submitted by Ministry of Maritime Affairs. The ECC directed the concerned authorities to expedite the process in view of tapping the emerging maritime and transshipment opportunities.

The ECC further approved the National Policy to Realize Pakistan’s Gemstone Potential 2026–2030 submitted by the Industries and Production Division. The policy aims to formalize the gemstone sector, promote value addition and modern mining practices, and enhance exports and regional economic development, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Investment Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Petroleum Mr. Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan, along with federal secretaries and senior officials from the relevant ministries, divisions, and regulatory authorities.