NEW DELHI, Jan 8: Presidentship of Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), an apex orgasnisation in the region, would go to Pakistan for a two-year term during its executive committee meeting to be held here on Jan 13.

The SCCI is recognised by all the governments of Saarc member countries and its constitution was given official recognition by the Saarc.

The Saarc region has immense potential to emerge as a strong regional economic force with its vast human resources representing one-fifth of the world population, diverse natural resources and existing opportunities.

It has the potential to become a major player in the global economy. South Asia became the largest regional trading bloc in the world with the implementation of the South Asia Free

Trade Agreement (Safta) in July 2006.

Over the past decade, the SCCI has remained committed to playing a vibrant role in enhancing trade and economic co-operation as well as creating awareness and capacity building within Saarc region.

The SCCI has strengthened its networking with governments, the civil society, the business community and intelligentsia in the region.

The SCCI has also endeavoured to establish a public-private partnership in the region which is essential to attain economic co-operation to lead the region towards prosperity and sustainable economic growth.

It will continue with its critical efforts to ensure closer co-operation between the public and private sectors and also develop positive links with the globalised world.

The 41st SCCI executive committee meeting will be held here on Jan 12 and 13, with President SCCI Mr Dasho Ugen Tasechup Dorji in the chair and SCCI presidentship will be handed over to Pakistan (Tariq Sayeed) while Iftikhar Ali Malik, former presidents FPCCI, LCCI and founder president of Pak-US Business Council will assume as new vice president of the SCCI (Pakistan chapter).—APP