ISTANBUL: Pakistan has called for stronger intra-OIC economic integration and deeper digital cooperation at the 41st session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC).
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan represented Pakistan at the session, held in Istanbul from 1 to 4 November 2025, according to a statement issued on Tuesday.
In his opening remarks, the Minister highlighted the urgent need to enhance economic collaboration, promote digital connectivity, and pursue sustainable development among OIC member states.
He described COMCEC as a crucial platform for advancing shared prosperity and strengthening unity across the Muslim Ummah.
“It is an honour to address this distinguished gathering at a time when the world faces profound economic, political, and environmental challenges,” he stated.
“For us in the Islamic world, economic cooperation is not merely about trade — it is about forging stronger bonds of partnership and mutual benefit.”
The minister stressed that intra-OIC trade and investment must be significantly strengthened to overcome global challenges.
Despite immense potential, intra-OIC trade remains below its capacity, largely due to regulatory barriers, limited connectivity, and infrastructural gaps.
He proposed reducing non-tariff barriers, streamlining customs procedures, and harmonising trade regulations among member states to enable freer movement of goods and services.
“Pakistan believes that the OIC Trade Agreement should evolve into a practical instrument for trade liberalisation and cross-border facilitation,” he stated.
Emphasising Pakistan’s commitment to regional cooperation, the minister called for greater private sector participation and the promotion of public-private partnerships to create new opportunities for investment and employment.
Jam Kamal further urged OIC member countries to prioritise digital transformation—particularly in sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, and digital infrastructure—to broaden opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs across the Islamic world.
“By promoting digital integration, we can enhance market access and create new prospects for innovation and growth,” he noted.
On sustainability, he reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and proposed the establishment of an OIC Green Finance Mechanism to fund climate-resilient and renewable-energy projects.
“Our economic growth must go hand in hand with environmental stewardship to ensure prosperity for future generations,” he emphasized.
The minister further suggested the creation of an OIC Center of Excellence for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and innovation across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
During the same session, Pakistan also delivered a joint statement on behalf of the Asia Group, reaffirming its collective commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and advancing digital transformation among OIC countries.
Representing the Asia Group, Jam Kamal extended deep appreciation to the government of Turkiye and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for hosting the session and for their continued leadership in promoting economic solidarity among Muslim nations.
He highlighted that while digital technologies are transforming trade, logistics, and financial systems in many Asian OIC countries, digital disparities persist in broadband coverage, data governance, and cross-border payment systems.
“The Muslim Ummah must act decisively to ensure that no member state is left behind in this digital transformation,” he stated, urging member states to strengthen secure, resilient, and inclusive digital infrastructure and promote Shariah-compliant financial solutions for small and medium enterprises.
The statement also called for greater data-driven cooperation among OIC institutions — such as SESRIC, IsDB, ICDT, and IOFS — to promote evidence-based policymaking, while encouraging youth participation and digital-skills development as key drivers of inclusive economic growth.
The Asia Group reaffirmed support for achieving the OIC’s target of 25 percent intra-OIC trade share by 2025 through the adoption of digital customs and single-window systems, and urged closer collaboration on developing regional digital payments and trade facilitation platforms.
Concluding the statement, the minister expressed confidence that the collective efforts of COMCEC member states would strengthen digital solidarity, deepen economic cooperation, and accelerate shared prosperity across the Muslim world.
