PESHAWAR: The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for full adherence to international standards and regulations to help enhance Pakistan’s exports.

The demand was made by SCCI president Fazal Muqeem Khan while speaking at a training and consultative session regarding compliance of regulations and standards of international business organised by the chamber in collaboration with National Compliance Centre (NCC), Ministry of Commerce, here on Saturday.

He called for promoting sustainable, responsible, and competitive economic growth.

Mr Khan said that compliance was not just a government mandate — it was a shared responsibility between the public and private sectors.

“It is essential to create a discrimination-free, ethically sound, and globally respected business ecosystem,” he asserted.

The session focused on aligning with international trade standards and fostering global partnerships.

SCCI senior vice-president Abdul Jalil Jan, members of the chamber’s executive committee Sabir Ahmad Bangash, Saifullah Khan, former president Malik Zahid, SCCI secretary general Muqtasid Ahsan, representatives of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, traders, industrialists and exporters and importers were in attendance.

The chamber president praised the ministry of commerce for establishing NCC, calling it a landmark initiative that institutionalised a compliance culture in Pakistan.

Muqeem Khan emphasised that in today’s interconnected economy, international compliance was vital for gaining access to global markets, building trust, and ensuring long-term growth.

The SCCI chief appreciated the NCC for conducting such an informative session for the business community and expressed hope that traders will learn many things regarding global compliance and regulations that would help improve Pakistan’s exports across the world.

Earlier, in his multimedia presentation, Dr Nabeel Amin, head of compliance at NCC, and thematic expert occupational safety and health standards Asmatullah Khan briefed the participants on the centre’s roadmap, and emphasised the pivotal role of chambers of commerce, trade associations, industry stakeholders, and SMEs in fostering a compliance-oriented business environment.

They highlighted NCC efforts to implement emerging compliance mechanisms, including the ESG framework, corporate sustainability due diligence directive, occupational safety and health standards, and digital product passport.

They said that these initiatives aimed to equip Pakistani exporters with the tools needed to meet international sustainability benchmarks.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2025