According to an official announcement, Pakistan is hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) 23rd Meeting of Ministers responsible for Foreign Economic and Trade Activities on Thursday.
“This important event, where Ministers of SCO countries dealing with External Trade and Commerce would be representing their countries, will be chaired by Pakistan’s Commerce Minister, Jam Kamal Khan,” the statement issued on Wednesday said.
All SCO members, including India, have been invited to send their trade ministers. Nonetheless, the minister of trade for India will participate in the meeting remotely rather than visiting Islamabad.
The ministerial conference comes after a series of preparatory discussions held in Islamabad on September 10 and 11, 2024, by the Commission of Senior Officials (CSO) of SCO Member States.
In order to foster economic success, the ministers want to concentrate their talks on strengthening regional trade cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and expanding connectivity among SCO states.
The conclusions of this summit will be discussed during the Council of Heads of Government meeting, which is slated to take place in Islamabad on October 15–16, 2024.
Pakistan is promoting economic cooperation through its role as the current Chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government. One of the main forums for the SCO, it addresses issues related to commerce, economy, society, culture, and budgetary issues.
The SCO is a significant regional group that accounts for about half of the world’s population and a sizeable amount of its GDP. Since its founding in2001, it has grown to encompass, among other countries, Iran, Pakistan, and India.
others.
The organization is important in promoting regional cooperation and is viewed as a counterweight to Western alliances.
