Message from President FPCCI

It is with great pleasure that I extend warm felicitations to the peoples and governments of fellow D-8 (Developing 8) member states on the occasion of D-8 Business Forum.
The Developing-8 countries with large Muslim populations is an important group formed to improve developing countries' positions in the world economy, diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, enhance participation in decision-making at the international level, and provide better standards of living. The D-8 is made up of Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey.
Pakistan is an active member of the D-8. It plays a very constructive role in this organisation. Pakistan has contributed most positively to carrying forward D-8's aims and objectives. D-8 has made notable progress in fields ranging from cultural co-operation to science and technology, from agriculture to environment and from finance and economy to trade and transport. I am confident that the D-8 will further consolidate its achievements and help economic integration.
The Business community and people of Pakistan attach the greatest importance to the member states of D-8. The gradual increase in the volume of Pakistan's trade with D-8 countries is reflective of this attachment. The present volume of Pakistan Trade with Developing 8 countries which accounts for US $5504 million can be increased manifold, provided the Private sectors of Pakistan and other member states of D-8 are facilitated by the respective Governments.
To enhance the economic relations among the D-8 member countries on sustainable basis, first we will have to develop the knowledge-based economies, secondly to revolutionise the trade relations in the flow of information for the availability of desirable goods, services and factors of production (including labour, investable funds, entrepreneur skills and land of opportunities). The faster, feasible and unbreakable communication linkages can transform this information. We do not have desirable communication linkages. We will have to develop tourism, cross boarder investment, cross boarder labour mobility, education and technology exchange programs, cultural and family relations, and frequent visits facility for the main cities of D-8 countries. All of those are the sources of information and long-lasting economic relations.
FPCCI will play a vital role in promotion of trade among D-8 members countries being the new chairmanship of Federation of Chambers of Commerce of D-8, FPCCI through its vision, mission and fully equipped secretariat will launch co-ordinated accessible consultation with the member countries, with whom we have the Business Council individually.
I avail myself of this opportunity to wish you and your colleagues every success in realisation of the aims and goals of the group and urge the D-8 members continue to exploit all its potentials. I would like to reinstate that we are actively and seriously committed to sustain this trend.