Page 24 - CMA Journal (Mar-Apr 2025)

Exclusive Interview

Under its Pakistan Country Strategy 2022–2025, ICCD has

launched three international events aimed at enhancing

Pakistan’s role as a facilitator of intra-OIC trade, with a focus on

priority areas such as entrepreneurship and

high-growth-potential sectors like tourism

ICCD is also enabling new business development Pakistan four years ago and later expanded to include
through its offices under the Business Connect program, the Asian region—positioning Pakistan as a hub for
which facilitates meetings between business entrepreneurship across various vital economic sectors.
delegations in countries where ICCD has headquarters Through BOE Asia, we are showcasing Pakistan as an
and regional offices, providing logistical and enabler and empowering force for youth across the
technological support to ensure productive interactions. continent, offering a platform for knowledge exchange
This initiative not only streamlines the process of and inspiring young business leaders and future
establishing joint ventures but also enhances the flow of generations.
knowledge and expertise among member states.
In terms of sector leadership, tourism remains a hidden
ICCD has also launched online digital platforms such as treasure in Pakistan. To harness its potential, ICCD
“ICCD Country Focus” to raise global awareness of launched the annual Sustainable Tourism Forum in 2025
investment and export opportunities, promote foreign —an international event designed to stimulate the
direct investment, and foster economic collaborations. It country’s tourism sector and economic development,
highlights member countries' strengths and investment while raising awareness of its unique touristic heritage
potential while facilitating open dialogue between the and rich culture. The forum brings together industry
private sector, governments, and chambers to explore leaders and global stakeholders to discuss sustainable
emerging trends and future opportunities. By creating a practices and promote responsible tourism. Through this
framework for sustainable partnerships, joint ventures, initiative, we strive to position Pakistan as a leading
and diversified economic and developmental platforms, destination for sustainable tourism within the OIC.
ICCD empowers member countries to leverage their
Furthermore, ICCD introduced the Creative Economy
strengths and resources—ultimately driving economic
series to highlight the significance of cultural industries
growth and integration within the Islamic world.
in driving economic growth. By focusing on creative
ICMA: What kind of support has ICCD extended to sectors, this initiative fosters collaboration and unlocks
Pakistan in advancing Islamic finance and trade? new business opportunities aligned with Islamic
values—especially targeting women- and youth-centric
Yousef Hassan Khalawi: ICCD has been actively involved
sectors.
in supporting Pakistan's growth in Islamic finance and
trade, recognizing the country’s critical role within the Through these initiatives, ICCD not only empowers
Islamic world and its strategic importance as the host of Pakistan’s private sector but also creates an environment
the Islamic Chamber's headquarters. conducive to innovation, growth, and deeper integration
into the broader Islamic economic landscape. This
Under its Pakistan Country Strategy 2022–2025, ICCD
support contributes to the sustainable development of
has launched three international events aimed at
Pakistan’s economy, enabling it to participate more
enhancing Pakistan’s role as a facilitator of intra-OIC trade,
effectively in the global Islamic economy.
with a focus on priority areas such as entrepreneurship
and high-growth-potential sectors like tourism. The Editorial Board thanks Mr. Yousef Hassan Khalawi, Secretary
General, Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development
Under entrepreneurship, ICCD launched the "Best of (ICCD) for sparing from his precious time to give exclusive interview
Entrepreneurship" (BOE) series, which originated in for Chartered Management Accountant Journal.

22 ICMA’s Chartered Management Accountant, Mar-Apr 2025