16/05/2026
Mr. Sikander H. Lodhi Honorary Investment Counsellor, Mr. Muhammad Asif, President of the Australia Pakistan Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry (APC), and Mr. Mohammed Abid Treasurer met H.E Irfan Shaukat High Commissioner of Pakistan to Australia at the Pakistan High Commission in Canberra. Ms Faiza Haseeb ,Deputy High Commissioner was also present on this occasion.
His Excellency Mr. Irfan Shaukat, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Australia, formally congratulated Mr. Sikander Lodhi on his appointment as Honorary Investment Counsellor of Pakistan to Australia. He noted that the role carries significant responsibility in identifying investment opportunities, supporting Pakistani businesses entering the Australian market, and attracting Australian investment into priority sectors in Pakistan. The High Commissioner expressed confidence that Mr. Lodhi’s industry experience and networks would help strengthen bilateral economic engagement.
During the meeting, the High Commissioner also commended APC for its consistent role in fostering economic ties and providing a platform for Pakistani and Australian businesses to connect. He emphasized that chambers of commerce are critical in translating diplomatic goodwill into tangible commercial outcomes.
Mr. Muhammad Asif briefed the High Commissioner on APC’s recent initiatives, the chamber’s focus on sectors including agriculture, IT, education, renewable energy, and SMEs. He reaffirmed APC’s commitment to working closely with the High Commission and the newly appointed Honorary Investment Counsellor to maximize results for members.
Mr. Sikander Lodhi outlined his initial priorities as Honorary Investment Counsellor, which include building a pipeline of investable projects, facilitating business to business matchmaking, and improving the flow of information between investors and relevant authorities in Pakistan.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to enhance coordination between APC, the Office of the Honorary Investment Counsellor and the High Commission, and to organize joint business forums and investor briefings in the coming months to expand commercial cooperation and investment opportunities between the two countries.