The Government of Pakistan is preparing to launch a new licensing policy for bilateral business chambers, designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and foreign trade partnerships.
According to official sources, the Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Trade Organisations (DGTO), is finalizing a comprehensive framework that will set stricter eligibility, financial, and governance standards for chambers seeking official recognition.
Under the proposed policy, each bilateral chamber must have a minimum of 50 active members each from Pakistan and the partner country, ensuring a fair balance between corporate entities and SMEs. For nations with limited chamber infrastructure, the Ministry may offer flexibility while maintaining economic significance.
A key highlight of the reform is a rotating leadership system, alternating chairmanship between Pakistani and foreign representatives a step aimed at promoting fairness and equal participation.
Additionally, every chamber will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an officially recognized counterpart abroad or obtain written verification from the relevant foreign ministry. Financial sustainability has also been emphasized, with Tier-I chambers required to maintain a reserve fund of Rs10 million, and smaller chambers at least Rs5 million.
All chambers will need to submit audited financial statements, a sustainable business plan, and undergo performance-based renewal every three years. The DGTO will further verify foreign partnerships through Pakistan’s embassies to ensure authenticity and credibility.
“These reforms will professionalize the functioning of bilateral chambers and set measurable standards of performance and accountability,” said an official from the Ministry of Commerce. “This will play a key role in advancing Pakistan’s trade diplomacy and strengthening global business networks.”
The new framework is part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize trade governance, boost foreign investment, and align chamber operations with international best practices.