ICCI urges envoys to focus on trade diplomacy

Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan has urged officers of the Foreign Service of Pakistan to focus on trade diplomacy while serving in foreign missions to promote the country’s economic interests.

Speaking to a 21-member delegation of trainee officers on Tuesday, led by Foreign Service Academy (FSA) Director Programme Muhammad Wasif, he said that diplomats had a responsibility to identify new avenues abroad for promoting trade.

Terming the present time as an era of economic war, he said: “Trainee officers should be fully aware of the business, joint venture and investment opportunities in various sectors of the country, so they can play an active role in attracting foreign investment to Pakistan during their career.”

He suggested that the diplomatic missions abroad should have updated information on Pakistani products, which would help improve exports from the country. He stressed that the diplomatic missions of Pakistan should regularly share information about business and export opportunities with all the chambers of the country.

“It will enable our private sector to take full advantage of the possible business opportunities abroad,” said Khan. He also gave a briefing to the delegation about how the ICCI worked for promoting the interest of business community. Speaking on the occasion, FSA Director Programme Muhammad Wasif informed businessmen that the delegation was undergoing training in the 41st Specialised Diplomatic Course at the FSA.

“The purpose of the visit to ICCI is to provide the trainee officers with an opportunity to exchange views with the business community on economic issues, as part of their capacity building efforts,” he said.