ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to host the 23rd Meeting of Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States responsible for Foreign Economic and Trade Activities on Thursday (tomorrow) in Islamabad.
This significant event will see representatives from SCO member states responsible for external trade and commerce gather to discuss key issues. The meeting will be chaired by Pakistan’s Commerce Minister, Jam Kamal Khan, according to a press release issued on Wednesday.
The ministerial meeting follows a series of preparatory discussions held during the Meetings of the Commission of Senior Officials (CSO) of SCO Member States, which concluded in Islamabad on September 10 and 11, 2024.
During the meeting, the SCO Ministers will focus on enhancing regional cooperation to boost trade, advance sustainable development, and improve connectivity among member states, aiming to increase economic prosperity in the region.
The outcomes of this ministerial meeting will be reviewed and approved at the upcoming Council of Heads of Government meeting, scheduled for October 15-16, 2024, in Islamabad.
As the current Chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, Pakistan is hosting these meetings. The SCO Council of Heads of Government is the second-highest forum within the organization, addressing all economic, trade, social, cultural, humanitarian, and budgetary issues.
The SCO is a major cross-regional bloc, encompassing nearly half of the world’s population and a significant portion of global GDP. Strengthening trade and economic ties within this framework is essential for addressing common challenges and capitalizing on the region’s vast economic opportunities.
As host and Chair of the SCO-CHG, Pakistan is committed to leveraging this platform to foster enhanced economic cooperation and trade partnerships, aiming to benefit the people of SCO member states. With its strategic location and growing trade potential, Pakistan seeks to play a key role in shaping the future of regional commerce and economic collaboration.
