Pakistan’s FPCCI calls for stronger economic integration among OIC states
Despite a combined GDP of around $10.77 trillion, trade among the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) accounts for only 20.36% of their total foreign trade, highlighting significant untapped potential for deeper economic integration, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) said on Saturday. The figures were shared by Atif Ikram Sheikh,…
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) has urged for enhanced economic integration within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states. FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh highlighted that despite a combined GDP of approximately $10.77 trillion among the 57 OIC countries, trade among them constitutes only 20.36% of their total foreign trade.
Sheikh called for stronger trade, investment and business partnerships between Pakistan and the Islamic world, emphasizing the vast economic market potential present across four continents. The OIC, with a combined GDP of around $10.77 trillion in 2025, recorded about $1.7 trillion in exports and $1.6 trillion in imports, demonstrating significant economic opportunities for greater integration.
Sheikh noted that intra-OIC trade accounted for a mere 20.36% of member states' total foreign trade, indicating substantial room for expansion through improved trade facilitation, connectivity, financial linkages, and private-sector cooperation. Pakistan, with its strategic location, vast consumer market, young population, industrial base, and investment opportunities through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), is well-positioned to deepen Islamic economic engagement with OIC markets.
Sheikh stressed the need to expand focus beyond conventional trade, including joint ventures, technology partnerships, investment, regional value chains, and bilateral and multilateral cooperation to turn the OIC's economic potential into reality.
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