Pakistan’s business community is set to assume the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Business Council in 2027, marking an important milestone in the country’s regional economic engagement. The announcement was made by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) following the SCO Business Council Board Meeting held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The SCO Business Council serves as the private-sector platform of the 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organization, bringing together business leaders to promote trade, investment, industrial cooperation, and economic partnerships among member countries. The council plays a key role in strengthening commercial ties across the Eurasian region.
According to the FPCCI, Pakistan’s selection to lead the council reflects the confidence of SCO member states in the country’s growing contribution to regional trade and economic cooperation. The organization believes Pakistan can play a more active role in connecting businesses, encouraging investment, and expanding trade opportunities across the SCO region.
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Pakistan became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2017. Since then, the country has worked to strengthen its economic diplomacy by participating in various SCO initiatives aimed at improving regional connectivity, business collaboration, and sustainable economic growth.
As chair of the SCO Business Council in 2027, Pakistan is expected to lead discussions on investment promotion, trade facilitation, digital transformation, infrastructure development, and stronger cooperation between private-sector organizations across member states.
Business leaders believe the upcoming chairmanship could provide Pakistani companies with greater access to regional markets while creating new opportunities for exports, foreign investment, and business partnerships. It may also help strengthen Pakistan’s economic relations with major SCO members, including China, Russia, and Central Asian countries.
The FPCCI has welcomed the development, calling it an opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s business potential on an international platform. Officials say the country will continue working with fellow SCO members to promote economic integration and regional prosperity.
Pakistan’s leadership of the SCO Business Council in 2027 is expected to enhance the country’s global business profile and reinforce its commitment to expanding trade, investment, and private-sector cooperation across one of the world’s largest regional organizations.
