Pakistan urges OIC members to focus on SME sector

Istanbul: The 28^th session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held in Istanbul from 9-11 October 2012.

Various Ministers from OIC member states represented their governments while the inaugural session was opened by Turkish Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdo?an. The Pakistan delegation was led by Senior Minister and Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim.

COMCEC Secretariat in consultation with OIC member countries honoured Pakistan by asking H.E. Makhdoom Amin Fahim to make a speech on behalf of the Asia Group. In his speech, Makhdoom Amin Fahim appreciated the role of OIC and COMCEC for the development of member countries through various initiatives. He emphasized on the need for greater economic and technical cooperation among members and urged members to benefit from each other’s expertise. He mentioned Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) sector as a vehicle for growth. He said it is imperative that we focuss our energies on the development of the SME sector.

The Pakistani dignitary also emphasized on expediating necessary work on operationalizing Trade Preferencial System (TPS-OIC) among member countries. Referring to the “Ten-Year Programme of Action” of OIC, Mr. Amin Fahim said this comprehensive document shows a way forward for Muslim Ummah to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

The honourable Minister thanked the Government of Turkey and COMCEC Secretariat for hosting the event.