Pakistan urges OIC for trade, green growth

November 04, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan called for enhanced economic cooperation, digital integration, and sustainable development among OIC member states during the 41st Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Istanbul from 1–4 November 2025, as per press release issued today.

In his opening remarks, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan emphasized the urgent need to leverage COMCEC as a platform for advancing shared prosperity across the Muslim Ummah.

“It is an honor 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 highlighted that intra-OIC trade and investment remain below their potential due to regulatory barriers, limited connectivity, and infrastructural gaps.

He proposed reducing non-tariff barriers, streamlining customs procedures, and harmonizing trade regulations across member states to promote freer movement of goods and services. “Pakistan believes the OIC Trade Agreement should become a real tool for trade liberalization and cross-border facilitation,” he added.

Pakistan also stressed the importance of private-sector engagement and public-private partnerships to unlock new avenues for investment, industrial growth, and job creation across the region.

Digital transformation emerged as another key priority, with Minister Jam Kamal Khan urging member countries to prioritize e-commerce, fintech, and digital infrastructure to expand opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs.

“By promoting digital integration, we can enhance market access and create new prospects for innovation and growth,” he noted.

On sustainability, Pakistan reiterated its commitment 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,” the minister emphasized.

Furthermore, he suggested creating an OIC Center of Excellence for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and innovation across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy, strengthening economic resilience and collaborative growth among member states.

The country’s active participation at COMCEC shows its strategic focus on promoting regional economic cooperation, advancing digital transformation, and supporting sustainable development initiatives within the OIC framework.

Copyright Mettis Link News