Ambassador of Pakistan to the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, participated in the Official Opening and, Plenary Session of the International Business Trends Forum 2026, organized by the Faculty of International Business at MGIMO University.
Held under the theme “International Business Trends: Technologies, Markets, People,” the Forum brought together senior officials, diplomats, academics and business leaders to discuss technological development, emerging markets and international economic cooperation. Ambassador Tirmizi joined the opening plenary alongside senior Russian officials, business representatives and Ambassadors of several countries.
Addressing the session, Ambassador Tirmizi noted that as new power structures emerge globally, new patterns of trade are also evolving, requiring stronger partnerships and greater regional connectivity.
Speaking about Pakistan–Russia relations, he identified visa facilitation, direct air connectivity and efficient logistics as three important enablers for expanding bilateral trade, tourism, business exchanges and people-to-people contacts.
The Ambassador also highlighted the growing importance of regional organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, SAARC and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in promoting economic cooperation, connectivity and regional integration. He underscored the need to make effective use of these multilateral platforms to facilitate trade, strengthen transport and logistics linkages and create greater opportunities for cooperation across South Asia, Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region.
Ambassador Tirmizi described Pakistan as a natural connector between Central Asia, South Asia and middle east, noting that its geographical location provides important land and maritime routes for regional trade and connectivity.
Highlighting Pakistan’s demographic potential, he noted that around 68 percent of the country’s population is under the age of 30, representing both an important advantage and a responsibility to create opportunities for the younger generation. He also emphasized the importance of bringing business and science closer together to drive innovation and sustainable economic growth.
Referring to the continued momentum in Pakistan–Russia relations, Ambassador Tirmizi noted the growing high-level engagement between the two countries, including the forthcoming visit of the Russian Interior Minister to Pakistan in October.
On the sidelines of the Forum, Ambassador Tirmizi interacted with participating Ambassadors, representatives of the Russian business and academic communities, and students of MGIMO University, exchanging views on Pakistan–Russia relations and opportunities for deeper cooperation.
The Ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Russia and to promoting greater regional economic cooperation, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.
