Aayal QureshiDubai, UAE – In a landmark development for the Pakistan-UAE business community, renowned entrepreneur Shabbir Merchant has been elected as the new Chairman of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) Dubai. The announcement was made during a prestigious ceremony held at the Pakistan Association Dubai, attended by key business leaders, community representatives, and members of the media.
The event featured Consul General Hussain Muhammad as the Chief Guest, who lauded the outgoing Board of Directors for their commendable service and congratulated the newly elected leadership. In his address, the Consul General emphasised the vital role of the PBC in promoting trade, investment, and collaboration between Pakistan and the UAE, stating, “The PBC serves as a dynamic platform for fostering economic ties. I am confident the new Board will further elevate these efforts and explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation.”
Merchant’s Vision for PBC
Taking the helm, Chairman Shabbir Merchant shared his ambitious vision for modernising trade practices and empowering start-ups as key drivers of bilateral trade. He pledged to align the PBC’s initiatives with contemporary economic trends to enhance innovation and foster sustainable growth. His leadership is poised to steer the Council toward a more impactful future, building on its mission to strengthen the economic and cultural ties between Pakistan and the UAE.
One of Merchant’s immediate priorities will be launching a membership expansion campaign to encourage greater participation from the Pakistani business community in the UAE. This initiative aims to attract diverse industries to the PBC platform, further solidifying its role as a bridge between Pakistan’s private sector and international markets.
Strengthening Bilateral Trade
The UAE continues to be a critical trade partner for Pakistan, with bilateral trade volumes exceeding $10 billion in 2023. As both nations explore new areas of collaboration, the PBC is expected to play a pivotal role in driving trade and investment. Merchant expressed his commitment to initiatives that not only benefit the private sector but also contribute to Pakistan’s long-term economic development.
New Board of Directors
The newly inducted Board of Directors includes:
- Shabbir Merchant (Chairman)
- Noor Karim Afridi
- Iftikhar Ali Tatlah
- Muhammed Saleem Zakria
- Kamran Ahmed Riaz
- Khurram Khawaja
- Umar Shehzad
Bridging Business and Culture
Beyond fostering economic growth, Merchant highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural and social connections between Pakistan and the UAE. Under his leadership, the PBC is set to explore initiatives that promote shared heritage and community development, further solidifying the bonds between the two nations.
As the PBC embarks on this new chapter, the leadership of Shabbir Merchant and the newly elected Board is expected to drive significant progress, reinforcing the Council’s reputation as a cornerstone of Pakistan-UAE relations.
