A panel of the 9th session of the Islamic Conference on Women in Islamabad on Monday. — OIC
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) have agreed to strengthen economic and institutional cooperation among Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, with particular emphasis on investment, trade, education and skills development, an official statement said on Thursday. The agreement came during a meeting between Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and SESRIC Director General Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk on the sidelines of the International Education Summit & Expo 2026 in Islamabad.
Sheikh highlighted the importance of enhancing investment cooperation among OIC countries, saying the collective economic strength, resources and markets of member states offer significant opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
Pakistan is keen to strengthen economic engagement with OIC countries and facilitate cross-border investment, joint ventures and technology partnerships, he said. The minister briefed Selçuk on Pakistan’s efforts to improve its investment climate, simplify regulatory procedures and improve ease of doing business.
Sheikh stressed that investment flows are closely linked with human capital and skills development. Cooperation among OIC countries should therefore go beyond traditional trade and encompass investment in education, technology, innovation and emerging sectors, he said.
Referring to the changing global economic landscape, the minister highlighted the growing importance of digitalisation, artificial intelligence and knowledge-based industries. OIC countries can benefit significantly from sharing expertise and developing joint initiatives, he added.
