Chandi Raj Dhakal Begins Transformative Presidency with Strong Regional Endorsement

Nepal Assumes Leadership of SAARC CCI: Chandi Raj Dhakal Begins
Transformative Presidency with Strong Regional Endorsement in Islamabad
The SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI) entered a new and promising
chapter as Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal of Nepal formally assumed the Presidency of SAARC CCI at
the prestigious Handover – Takeover Ceremony held in Islamabad on April 19, 2026. The

transition of leadership marked the 16th Presidential Change of the apex regional chamber and
reaffirmed SAARC CCI’s enduring commitment to economic cooperation, regional connectivity,
and private sector-led integration across South Asia.

The historic ceremony was witnessed by the Honourable Federal Minister for Railways,
Government of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, who attended as Chief Guest and
formally observed the transfer of leadership from outgoing President Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin of
Bangladesh to incoming President Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal, renowned Nepali industrialist and
President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the FPCCI, opened the proceedings with a gracious welcome
address, in which he extended his warm greetings to the delegations representing the SAARC
nations.

Federal Minister for Railways, Mr. Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, speaking as Chief Guest,
reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to SAARC’s ideals. "Pakistan believes that South
Asia cannot rise without regional integration. We have kept our borders open for trade in spirit,
our airspace for connectivity, and our hearts for people-to-people exchanges," he said, assuring
full government and private sector support to the new President.

In his inaugural address, President Chandi Raj Dhakal presented a forward-looking and
ambitious roadmap for the future of SAARC CCI. He pledged to transform the Chamber from a
dialogue-based institution into an action-driven regional platform capable of delivering tangible
economic results for member countries. Stressing that economic cooperation must continue
regardless of political challenges, he described SAARC CCI as a neutral and trusted mechanism
for business diplomacy, regional trust-building, and inclusive growth.

Immediate Past President Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin reflected on his tenure, highlighting the
completion of the SAARC CCI Headquarters building in Islamabad a landmark achievement for
institutional independence and financial sustainability.

The ceremony also received strong regional support through virtual participation from prominent
business leaders and office bearers from across South Asia, demonstrating collective confidence
in the new leadership and the future of SAARC CCI.

The delegates who joined virtually included Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Alomgir, Vice President
(Designate), Bangladesh Chapter, SAARC CCI, Mr. Vinod Juneja, Vice President, SAARC CCI
(India Chapter), Dr. Rohitha Silva, Vice President, SAARC CCI (Sri Lanka Chapter), Mr.

Ruwan Edirisinghe, Former President, SAARC CCI, Dr. Mariyam Shakeela, Vice President,
SAARC CCI (Maldives Chapter), Mr. Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President, FNCCI, Mr. Umesh
Lal Shrestha, Past Vice President, FNCCI, Mr. Hem Raj Dhakal, Vice President, FNCCI, Mr.
Bimal Dhakal, President, Ambassador Club Nepal, Mr. Bachchu Poudel, Past President, Nepal
Trans Himalayan Border Commerce Association, Mr. Sunil Narayan Shrestha, Executive
Committee Member, FNCCI and Mr. Desh Bandhu Basnet (Ajit), Executive Committee
Member, FNCCI.

Their participation reflected strong regional solidarity and shared optimism for the success of
Nepal’s presidency.
On the occasion, Mr. Vinod Juneja, Vice President, SAARC CCI (India Chapter), congratulated
President Chandi Raj Dhakal on assuming the prestigious office and expressed confidence in his
dynamic leadership. He reaffirmed his full support for strengthening the SAARC mechanism and
advancing greater private sector cooperation across the region.

Former President SAARC CCI, Mr. Ruwan Edirisinghe, also extended his heartfelt
congratulations and expressed confidence that the new leadership would further elevate the role
of SAARC CCI as the voice of regional business. He emphasized the importance of carrying
forward the mission of economic integration, institutional progress, and constructive engagement
among member nations.

Ms. Hina Pervez Butt, Chairperson, Punjab Women Protection Authority, graced the ceremony
as Special Guest and congratulated the new leadership of SAARC CCI on assuming the
Presidency. She observed that the transition reflects the spirit of regional cooperation and shared
progress, and emphasized that sustainable development in South Asia requires the protection,
empowerment, and meaningful participation of women in trade, entrepreneurship, and
leadership.

The ceremony concluded with a unified call for moving from competition to collaboration and
from dialogue to delivery. President Chandi Raj Dhakal invited all member nations to work
together for a stronger and more prosperous region.
On the occasion, outgoing President Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin officially handed over the SAARC
CCI flag to President Chandi Raj Dhakal, symbolizing the formal transition of the SAARC CCI
Presidency from Bangladesh to Nepal. Honourable Federal Minister Mr. Muhammad Hanif
Abbasi also presented the official SAARC CCI Crest to President Chandi Raj Dhakal, marking
the commencement of a new chapter of regional leadership and cooperation.
The event was hosted by Habib Bank Limited as Premium Partner.