SCCI 16d ago

Address by Mr. Mahesh Kumar Saharia, Life Member (#India) #SAARC CCI at the Inauguration Ceremony of SCCI Headquarters The SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (#SAARCCCI) formally inaugurated its Permanent Headquarters in Islamabad on 18 April 2026, marking a historic milestone in the advancement of regional economic cooperation and institutional integration in South Asia. The Honorable Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Pakistan, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. He reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve for regional unity, stating that "South Asia's way forward is through teamwork, ties, and shared growth." Highlighting Pakistan's commitment to the region, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said: "This building embodies Pakistan's deep resolve to stand by SAARC and the spirit of regional unity. It voices our core conviction that South Asia's destiny lies in cooperation, not isolation. Pakistan will always support every effort that brings our nations closer for shared prosperity." Outgoing President Md. Jashim Uddin from Bangladesh was commended for his steadfast leadership. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jashim said, “Today, the decades-old dream of the South Asian business community has been realized in Islamabad for regional unity.” He also acknowledged the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for its generous contributions, as well as the dedicated efforts of the SAARC CCI HQ Building Committee members, with special appreciation for Past President Iftkhar Ali Malik for his pivotal role and unwavering support. Incoming President Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal committed to shifting SAARC CCI from discussion to action, focusing on trade, SMEs, digital platforms, and youth entrepreneurship. Dhakal remarked “This asset gains true value only when used for a meaningful purpose. We make use of this asset to advocate for regional cooperation, open economies, and free trade." The ceremony also received strong regional support through virtual participation from prominent business leaders and office bearers from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, demonstrating collective confidence in the future of SAARC CCI and the promise of stronger regional cooperation. Among those who joined virtually were Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Alomgir, Vice President (Designate), Bangladesh Chapter, SAARC CCI, Mr. Vinod Juneja, Vice President, SAARC CCI (India Chapter), Dr. Rohitha Silva, Vice President, SAARC CCI (Sri Lanka Chapter), Mr. Ruwan Edirisinghe, Former President, SAARC CCI, Dr. Mariyam Shakeela, Vice President, SAARC CCI (Maldives Chapter), Mr. Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President, FNCCI, Mr. Umesh Lal Shrestha, Past Vice President, FNCCI, Mr. Hem Raj Dhakal, Vice President, FNCCI, Mr. Bimal Dhakal, President, Ambassador Club Nepal, Mr. Bachchu Poudel, Past President, Nepal Trans Himalayan Border Commerce Association, Mr. Sunil Narayan Shrestha, Executive Committee Member, FNCCI and Mr. Desh Bandhu Basnet (Ajit), Executive Committee Member, FNCCI. SAARC CCI is the apex body representing chambers of commerce and industry from all eight SAARC member nations, dedicated to promoting regional trade, investment, and economic cooperation. #SAARCCCI #SouthAsia #RegionalCooperation #Trade #Business #EconomicGrowth #SAARC #Pakistan #India #Bangladesh #Maldives #Nepal #bhutan #afghanistan #Srilanka #tariqfazalchaudhry #fawadchaudhry #hibafawad #chandirajdhakal #mdjashimuddin #fbcci #fncci #fpcci #mncci #fccisl #ficci #islamabadtalks #pakistannews