SAARC CCI President praises Pakistan’s mediation role, calls for regional unity

President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chandi Raj Dhakal, has emphasized that South Asia’s economic and geopolitical challenges must be transformed into opportunities through collective action and stronger regional cooperation.

ISLAMABAD, Apr 21 (APP):President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chandi Raj Dhakal, has emphasized that South Asia’s economic and geopolitical challenges must be transformed into opportunities through collective action and stronger regional cooperation.
Speaking during his visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), he underscored that unity among member states—beyond political differences—is essential for achieving sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
He noted that despite a population of nearly 1.94 billion, intra-regional trade remains below 6 percent, calling for enhanced connectivity, stronger political will, and a business-friendly environment to unlock the region’s vast economic potential.
Highlighting broader regional dynamics, Dhakal appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and easing tensions in the evolving situation between the United States and Iran.
He expressed hope that the fruits of such mediation would lead to lasting peace, reduced regional uncertainty, stabilization of energy markets, and relief from inflationary pressures affecting economies across South Asia and beyond.
He further stressed the importance of empowering youth and women, strengthening SMEs, and promoting borderless trade while unlocking key sectors such as tourism, hydropower, agriculture, and services.
He reiterated his vision to transform SAARC CCI into an action-oriented institution focused on delivering tangible economic outcomes, while ensuring that regional economic cooperation continues irrespective of political challenges.
The Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan, Ms. Rita Dhital, urged deeper trade and investment cooperation, noting that existing commercial ties remain underdeveloped compared to strong diplomatic relations.
She emphasized that the resumption of direct flights between Nepal and major Pakistani cities such as Islamabad and Karachi would significantly enhance bilateral trade, tourism, and people-to-people linkages.
She reaffirmed that the Embassy remains fully committed to facilitating stronger business and investment cooperation between the two countries.
President ICCI, Sardar Tahir Mehmood, in his remarks, warmly welcomed the SAARC CCI President and reaffirmed ICCI’s commitment to strengthening regional collaboration.
He emphasized the need to boost intra-regional trade and connectivity, and appreciated Dhakal’s forward-looking leadership.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strategic location and market potential, he stressed the importance of expanding trade ties with Nepal and other SAARC countries in sectors including tourism, hydropower, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and information technology, expressing optimism for a more integrated, competitive, and prosperous South Asia.
Chairman ICCI Founder Group Tariq Sadiq called for overcoming regional differences and making a new beginning for economic collaboration.
Former President ICCI Zubair Ahmed Malik stressed the need for broader cooperation to address poverty challenges in the region, while former President ICCI Zafar Bakhtawari expressed confidence that under the leadership of Chandi Raj Dhakal, SAARC CCI will make meaningful progress and assured full support of the business community.

This high-level visit by SAARC CCI President Chandi Raj Dhakal to Islamabad marks a pivotal moment in South Asian regional diplomacy, particularly as Pakistan positions itself as a central mediator in the Middle East while hosting the new SAARC headquarters.

Key Points of the Visit

• The 6% Trade Trap: Dhakal highlighted a stark economic reality: despite housing 1.94 billion people, intra-regional trade in South Asia remains stagnant below 6%. He called for “borderless trade” to unlock sectors like tourism, hydropower, and agriculture.
• Pakistan’s Mediation Role: A significant portion of the discourse focused on Pakistan’s constructive role in de-escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Dhakal noted that regional stability is a prerequisite for energy security and controlling inflation in South Asia.
• New Leadership & Infrastructure: The visit follows the inauguration of the permanent SAARC CCI Headquarters in Islamabad. Chandi Raj Dhakal (Nepal) took over the presidency for the 2026–2028 term, with Pakistan’s Atif Ikram Sheikh serving as Senior Vice President.
• Aviation Connectivity: The Ambassador of Nepal, Ms. Rita Dhital, specifically urged for the resumption of direct flights between Nepal and Pakistani hubs (Karachi/Islamabad) to bridge the gap between strong diplomatic ties and weak commercial exchange.

Analysis from the Commerce News Desk

The current geopolitical climate in 2026 presents a unique “double-edged sword” for South Asian commerce. Our analysis identifies three critical pillars:

1. The “Action-Oriented” Pivot

Historically, SAARC has been criticized for being “dialogue-heavy and action-light.” Dhakal’s vision to transform the Chamber into an action-oriented institution suggests a shift toward private-sector-led integration. By focusing on SMEs and youth empowerment, the leadership aims to bypass the “political paralysis” that often stalls state-level SAARC summits.

2. Geopolitical Stability as a Commodity

Pakistan’s mediation in the US-Iran friction is not just a diplomatic win; it is an economic necessity.

• Energy Markets: South Asia is highly sensitive to oil and LNG price shocks stemming from Middle East instability.
• Supply Chains: Stabilization of these relations is viewed by the business community as a “relief valve” for the inflationary pressures currently choking regional manufacturing.

3. Strategic Sector Synergy

The emphasis on Hydropower and IT signals a move toward a “Green and Digital” regional corridor.

• Nepal-Pakistan-Bhutan share massive untapped hydroelectric potential.
• Pakistan-India-Sri Lanka hold significant IT service capabilities that could be harmonized to create a regional digital trade bloc.

Expert Note: While the rhetoric remains optimistic, the core challenge remains the “Political Will” mentioned by Dhakal. Without a breakthrough in bilateral relations between the region’s largest economies, the 6% trade barrier will remain a difficult ceiling to crack.

Pakistan’s mediation between US and Iran

This video provides a detailed report on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to mediate between the US and Iran, a key topic praised by the SAARC CCI President for its impact on regional economic stability.