Shabbir Merchant takes helm as Chairman of Pakistan Business Council Dubai, announces plans

Dubai: In a significant development for the Pakistan-UAE business community, prominent businessman Shabbir Merchant has been elected as the new Chairman of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) Dubai.

The announcement was made during a special ceremony at the Pakistan Association Dubai, where Consul General Hussain Muhammad was the Chief Guest. The event also marked the induction of the newly elected Board of Directors and was attended by key business leaders, community figures, and media representatives from the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE.

In his address, the Consul General extended his heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing Board of Directors for their service and dedication and congratulated the newly elected Board.

He expressed confidence that the new leadership would steer the Council toward even greater accomplishments. “The PBC serves as a dynamic platform for fostering trade, investment, and collaboration between Pakistan and the UAE,” said Consul General Hussain Muhammad. “I urge the new Board to continue identifying and promoting sectors where both nations can collaborate for mutual benefit.”

The Consul General acknowledged the significant contributions of the Pakistani community in the UAE to the nation’s development and prosperity and underscored the pivotal role of the PBC in strengthening bilateral ties.

“The Pakistan Business Council plays a crucial role in deepening economic cooperation, and I am confident that the Council will continue to contribute to enhancing our economic and diplomatic relationship,” he added.

Merchant's vision

Shabbir Merchant, as the newly appointed Chairman, outlined his vision for the future of the PBC, focusing on modernising trade practices and empowering start-ups to play a central role in bilateral trade between Pakistan and the UAE. He emphasised that the PBC would align its future initiatives with contemporary economic demands, fostering innovation and economic growth. His leadership is expected to be pivotal in advancing the Council’s objectives of boosting trade, investment, and collaboration between the two nations.

Initiatives

Merchant’s first major initiative will be a campaign aimed at expanding PBC membership, inviting more members of the Pakistani community in the UAE to join the Council and contribute to its mission. The PBC, an influential platform for business leaders and entrepreneurs, works to strengthen the private sector’s role in driving economic growth. Its membership spans a wide array of industries, from trade to manufacturing, and it continues to serve as a bridge between Pakistan’s business community and international markets, particularly the UAE.

Bilateral Trade

The UAE is one of Pakistan’s most important trade partners, with bilateral trade reaching new heights in recent years. In 2023 alone, the total trade volume between the two countries surpassed $10 billion, a significant achievement that underscores the growing economic ties.

As both countries continue to explore new avenues for collaboration, Chairman Merchant remains committed to driving initiatives that not only benefit the private sector but also contribute to Pakistan’s long-term economic growth.

Beyond business, Chairman Merchant’s efforts also focus on fostering cultural and social ties between the two nations.

New PBC Directors

Shabbir Merchant (Chairman)

Noor Karim Afridi

Iftikhar Ali Tatlah

Muhammed Saleem Zakria

Kamran Ahmed Riaz

Khurram Khawaja

Umar Shehzad