Pakistan Creative Economy, Culture & Trade Council Unveils Vision and International Advisory Team to Promote Pakistan’s Creative Industries Globally

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Creative Economy, Culture & Trade Council (PCECTC) has set out its mission to strengthen Pakistan’s creative economy by linking culture and creativity with entrepreneurship, trade, investment and international collaboration, and has announced a distinguished team of international advisors to support its work.

The Council regards Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and expanding pool of creative talent as a significant and largely untapped economic opportunity. Its focus spans a wide range of sectors, including fashion, textiles, handicrafts, design, visual arts, media, architecture and music, with the aim of turning the country’s creative strengths into sustainable businesses, employment and international trade.

Under the guiding motto “Connecting Creativity, Culture & Commerce,” the Council seeks to bridge the gap between creative talent and commercial opportunity. It intends to bring together creative professionals, designers, artists, entrepreneurs, investors, institutions, policymakers and international partners through industry engagement, capacity building, exhibitions, cultural initiatives, trade opportunities and strategic partnerships. The Council’s approach rests on the conviction that culture is not only a source of identity and heritage but also a powerful driver of enterprise, investment, tourism and global trade.

Highlighting Pakistan’s diverse cultural landscape, young and talented population, skilled artisans and emerging generation of creative entrepreneurs, the Council aims to give these sectors greater visibility, stronger networks and wider access to new markets, with the long-term goal of ensuring that Pakistani creativity is recognised, valued and traded worldwide.

The Council was founded by Syed Usman Tahir, a creative-industry leader, cultural strategist and educationist who also serves as Advisor to the Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Government of Pakistan, and as Chief Executive Officer of NiftySphere Institute of Arts & Design. In his advisory role, Mr. Tahir has been involved in initiatives on cultural diplomacy, heritage and international cultural cooperation, including engagements with foreign diplomatic representatives on Pakistan–Russia cultural and educational collaboration. His vision is to position creativity and culture as key drivers of economic development, entrepreneurship and employment.

The Council’s international advisory team brings together experts from across Europe, Central Asia, Latin America and the Gulf. It includes Dr. Natalya Fatyanova as Chief Advisor for Marine Innovation, Scientific Research and International Academic Cooperation; Mr. Saqib Karamat as Executive Director for Europe; Mr. Muhammad Ali Pasha, Chairman of “The Gulf Observer Research Forum”, Owner of “The Gulf Observer” & “The Europe Today”, as Chief Advisor for Media and International Relations; Mr. Qaiser Nawab as Senior Advisor for Global Partnerships and Sustainable Development; and Ms. Derya Soysal as Advisor for European Affairs, Tourism and Cultural Diplomacy.

The team further comprises Ms. Tamilla Mamedova as Chief Advisor for International Affairs and Economic Cooperation; Dr. María Isabel Maldonado García as Chief Advisor for Language, Education and Cultural Diplomacy; and Mr. Ismail Bin Masoud Bin Abdullah Al Harthy of Oman as Chief Advisor for International Media, Television and Broadcasting Affairs.

With this blend of national leadership and international expertise, the Pakistan Creative Economy, Culture & Trade Council aims to build a stronger, more connected creative ecosystem and to position Pakistan’s cultural and creative industries as a meaningful contributor to the country’s economic growth and global standing.