Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has congratulated Iftikhar Ali Malik for becoming senior vice president of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In his felicitation message, Prime Minister hoped that Iftikhar Ali Malik would utilize his best abilities to bring closer the SAARC member states besides promoting regional trade. He said that politicians of the member countries must work together with dedication to implement liberal policies in the region. Regional connectivity is essential for remodelling of policies in line with the current global economic address.
In a separate statement, Governor Punjab Muhammad Rafique Rajwana greeted him for his appointment and hoped that he would continue to exploit his potential for the promotion of trade and industry in South Asia especially Pakistan. His appointment is also a proof of his untiring efforts for the business community of the region, he said.
The measures taken by him as SAARC Chamber vice president for the promotion of regional trade also spoke volumes of his business acumen, he added. He said that the efforts of Malik will go a long way in bringing the SAARC countries closer and enhancing trade among all the member states.
Federal Minister for Commerce and Textile Muhammad Pervaiz Malik in a telephonic conversation with Iftikhar Ali Malik also felicitated him on his success. Pakistan is fully committed to improving trade relations among SAARC countries including India to make South Asia the most economically integrated region in the world. "South Asia is one of the most dynamic regions in the world, but it is also one of the least integrated, as its intra-regional trade accounts for just 5 percent of total trade, compared with 25 percent in the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN), he said.
He said the present government is committed to restoring peace and ensuring prosperity in the SAARC region and at the same time, Pakistan wants to maintain her foreign and trade relations with other countries on the bases of mutual respect. By building common interests across borders, regional integration could enhance stability in this volatile region, which is home to 570 million poor, he added.