ISLAMABAD, NOV 26 /DNA/ – A thirteen-member delegation of the Europe Pakistan Economic Corridor (EPEC), led by its Founder and CEO Dr. Abdul Hafeez MBE, visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and held a detailed meeting with ICCI Acting President Tahir Ayub and Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry. The purpose of the visit was to explore avenues of collaboration aimed at unlocking new trade and investment opportunities between Europe, Pakistan, and other international markets.
During the meeting, Dr. Abdul Hafeez briefed the ICCI leadership on EPEC’s mission, stating that the Corridor provides a comprehensive suite of services to de-risk contracts, source new business opportunities, attract investment, and foster long-lasting global partnerships. He informed that EPEC comprises eight specialized zones, Health, Education, Recruitment, Trade, Technology, Investments & Property, Tourism, and Green Energy, each designed to strengthen bilateral and multilateral linkages.
He highlighted that Europe imports goods worth over $2 trillion annually across key sectors such as textiles, machinery, pharmaceuticals, IT, and professional services. Pakistan, he said, is well-positioned to cater to this massive demand, offering competitive advantages in quality, cost, and capacity. From globally recognized textiles and precision surgical instruments to advanced IT services and a growing pool of skilled professionals, Pakistan is evolving beyond a traditional supplier into a strategic trade partner awaiting fuller recognition. Dr. Hafeez described EPEC as a forward-looking initiative committed to promoting seamless trade and investment flows between European markets and Pakistan’s industrial ecosystem.
Welcoming the delegation, ICCI Acting President Tahir Ayub said that the visit reflects our shared commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and exploring new horizons of trade and investment between Europe and Pakistan adding that we look forward to developing structured, result-oriented collaboration with EPEC, from trade facilitation to capacity building and joint ventures.
He informed that ICCI is preparing to host a major industrial expo in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, TDAP, and embassies of friendly nations. The event will provide a platform for domestic and international enterprises to showcase their products, forge linkages, and explore new markets. He assured that EPEC will also be taken on board to play its due role in ensuring extensive participation from friendly countries to make the expo a landmark success.
Both sides expressed strong commitment to advancing coordinated efforts for enhancing trade relations, investment prospects, and people-to-people linkages between Europe and Pakistan. The meeting concluded with an understanding to maintain close collaboration and develop structured engagements in the coming months.
The EPEC delegation included Qazi Mujtaba Kamal, Dr.Atif Shafique, Mrs. Parveen Ali, Gall Hull, Kathryn Bentley, Dr. Abdur Rehman Abid, Ch. Mohammad Nawaz and others present from the ICCI side included former President Mian Shaukat Masood, Executive Member Imran Minhas and Dr. Joharia Azhar, Dr. Raja Mehdi Hassan, Aizaz Mohammad, Sumera Rehman and others.
