On the special invitation of Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and President of the Economic Cooperation Organization Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ECO‑CCI), Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President ECOSF participated in the 30^th Executive Committee and 20^th General Assembly meetings of the 10‑Country ECO‑CCI held on January 22, 2026 in Karachi, Pakistan. The high‑level gatherings were hosted by FPCCI on the sidelines of the 2^nd Sustainable Tourism Forum & Expo 2026.

The proceedings were inaugurated and presided over by Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, who delivered the welcome address and presented a comprehensive overview of ECO‑CCI’s activities, underscoring the role of regional cooperation in strengthening economic integration and private‑sector engagement across the ECO region. Representatives from eight ECO Member States attended, alongside senior leaders from the ECO Secretariat and the ECO Trade and Development Bank (ETDB).

In his remarks, President ECOSF Prof. Tayebi expressed gratitude to ECO‑CCI and FPCCI for the invitation and opportunity to address business leaders and policymakers. He highlighted how science, technology and innovation are critical drivers of competitiveness, productivity, and inclusive economic growth in today’s rapidly evolving global economy. Prof. Tayebi outlined ECOSF’s mandate and regional initiatives — including strengthening scientific and techncial cooperation, supporting research and innovation, promoting capacity building of scientists and professionals, and facilitating networks between academia, industry and policymakers — and emphasized how these efforts complement ECO‑CCI’s goals of fostering private‑sector growth and enhancing intra‑regional trade.  Drawing attention to the ECO region’s rich human capital and strategic resources, he emphasized that aligning scientific collaboration with economic priorities can accelerate progress toward diversified economies, increased intra‑regional trade and shared prosperity.

The meeting also featured discussions on operationalizing regional connectivity and development initiatives. A highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ECO‑CCI and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Development (ICCD) by Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh and ICCD Secretary General H.E. Sheikh Yousef Hassan Khalawi, institutionalizing future cooperation.

During his stay in Karachi, Prof. Tayebi also engaged with participants and exploring strategic partnerships that interlink sustainable tourism, economic development and regional cooperation. He also participated in discussions on ethical investment and policies promoting people‑ and planet‑centered travel, and joined a reception hosted by Mr. Sheikh Khalid Tawab, highlighting continued synergy between ECOSF and Pakistan’s business and innovation communities.