Pakistan urged stronger Intra-OIC economic integration, digital Cooperation at 41st Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) session.
\nFederal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan represented Pakistan at the 41st Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), being held in Istanbul from November 1st to 4th 2025, said a release issued here on Tuesday.
\nIn his opening remarks, Minister Jam Kamal Khan underscored the urgent need for enhanced economic cooperation, digital integration, and sustainable development among OIC member states, describing COMCEC as a vital platform to advance shared prosperity across the Muslim Ummah.
\n\u201cIt is an honor to address this distinguished gathering at a time when the world faces profound economic, political, and environmental challenges,\u201d he stated. \u201cFor us in the Islamic world, economic cooperation is not merely about trade\u2014it is about forging stronger bonds of partnership and mutual benefit.\u201d
\nThe minister emphasized that intra-OIC trade and investment must be significantly strengthened to overcome global challenges. Despite immense potential, intra-OIC trade remains below its capacity, largely due to regulatory barriers, limited connectivity, and infrastructural gaps.<\/p>\n
He proposed reducing non-tariff barriers, streamlining customs procedures, and harmonizing trade regulations across member states to promote freer movement of goods and services. \u201cPakistan believes the OIC Trade Agreement should become a real tool for trade liberalization and cross-border facilitation,\u201d he added.
\nHighlighting Pakistan\u2019s commitment to regional collaboration, the minister called for greater private-sector engagement and public-private partnerships to unlock new avenues for investment and job creation.
\nJam Kamal Khan also urged member countries to prioritize digital transformation, particularly in areas like e-commerce, fintech, and digital infrastructure, to expand opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs. \u201cBy promoting digital integration, we can enhance market access and create new prospects for innovation and growth,\u201d he noted.
\nOn sustainability, he reiterated Pakistan\u2019s dedication to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and proposed the establishment of an OIC Green Finance Mechanism to fund climate-resilient and renewable-energy projects. \u201cOur economic growth must go hand in hand with environmental stewardship to ensure prosperity for future generations,\u201d he emphasized.
\nThe minister further suggested the creation of an OIC Center of Excellence for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and innovation across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.<\/p>\n
During the same session, Pakistan also delivered a joint statement on behalf of the Asia Group, reaffirming collective commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and advancing digital transformation among OIC countries.
\nRepresenting the Asia Group, Minister Jam Kamal Khan extended deep appreciation to the Government of T\u00fcrkiye and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for hosting the session and for their continued leadership in promoting economic solidarity among Muslim nations.
\nHe highlighted that while digital technologies are transforming trade, logistics, and financial systems in many Asian OIC countries, digital disparities persist in broadband coverage, data governance, and cross-border payment systems.
\n\u201cThe Muslim Ummah must act decisively to ensure that no member state is left behind in this digital transformation,\u201d he stated, urging member states to strengthen secure, resilient, and inclusive digital infrastructure and promote Shariah-compliant financial solutions for small and medium enterprises.
\nThe statement also called for greater data-driven cooperation among OIC institutions\u2014such as SESRIC, IsDB, ICDT, and IOFS\u2014to promote evidence-based policymaking, while encouraging youth participation and digital-skills development as key drivers of inclusive economic growth.
\nThe Asia Group reaffirmed support for achieving the OIC\u2019s target of 25 percent intra-OIC trade share by 2025 through the adoption of digital customs and single-window systems, and urged closer collaboration on developing regional digital payments and trade facilitation platforms.
\nConcluding the statement, the minister expressed confidence that the collective efforts of COMCEC member states would strengthen digital solidarity, deepen economic cooperation, and accelerate shared prosperity across the Muslim world.
\n\u201cTogether, as the Islamic Ummah, we can create an economy that is resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking\u2014one that delivers prosperity and dignity for all,\u201d Jam Kamal Khan affirmed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Pakistan urged stronger Intra-OIC economic integration, digital Cooperation at 41st Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) session. Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan represented Pakistan at the 41st Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), being held in Istanbul from November […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":512559,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-512548","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n