SAARC Chambers of Commerce discuss ways to enhance regional reach

By Darshana Abayasingha 

in Lahore

The SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) hosted a two-day program in Lahore, Pakistan last week to optimise and grow its reach plus enhance its internal and external communications strategy in the region. 

Regional media representatives, analysts and members of SAARC CCI from seven South Asian countries participated in the forum, which discussed several mechanisms for the organisation to grow its engagement with entrepreneurs and relevant stakeholders in the region. 

Since its inception in 1992, the SCCI has been the apex body in the South Asian region for the design, development and dissemination of information on potential tradable goods and joint ventures. The body is officially recognised by all national governments of SAARC as the representative body of National Federations of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. 

Despite its presence and performance to support and grow trade and entrepreneurship in the region, the SCCI’s efforts and potential has been largely understated. Over the past 25 years, the SCCI has made several representations to the regional SAARC body on behalf of the private sector to improve and afford preferential terms of trade, promote the exchange of commercial and industrial expertise and create business linkages amongst member nations. The SCCI and SAARC are also paying greater focus on environmental responsibility and sustainability, and the role of youth in future development. 

The two-day communications workshop, which was hosted together with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, sought to streamline its process and strategy, and was a follow-up to a similar initiative held in Mumbai last year to promote and communicate the efforts and opportunity presented by SCCI to the region. 

Speaking at the forum, SCCI (Pakistan) Vice President Ifthikar Ali Malik emphasised the strength and capacity of the SAARC region and its membership, and called for even greater cooperation amongst members to fulfil its potential. His comments were endorsed by the Secretary General of SCCI, Hina Saeed, who invited all stakeholders, including governments, chambers, entrepreneurs and the media for further dialogue with institutions such as the SCCI, to work hand-in-hand to grow intra-regional trade, integration and investment. 

With over 20% of the world’s population, GDP of $ 3.13 trillion and abundant natural resources, South Asia provides ample opportunity with potential to play a stronger role in world trade. The region must however overcome several challenges, including political uncertainty, poverty and governance issues, to achieve its true potential, which is a key objective of organisations like SAARC and the SCCI.