SECP, US CFTC Start 2nd Training Session on Commodities Futures Market

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) in collaboration with the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) commenced the second training session on the development of the Commodity Futures Market, in Islamabad. Akif Saeed, Chairman SECP, underscored the vital role that the agricultural commodities market plays in Pakistan’s economy. He highlighted the key initiatives taken by SECP, including ongoing consultations with stakeholders aimed at advancing the development of a robust commodities derivatives market. Chairman SECP further stressed the importance of collective efforts from all stakeholders to create a well-functioning commodities futures market in Pakistan. He praised Mr. Kevin for his invaluable support in facilitating the collaboration with U.S. CFTC, for advancing the commodities market in Pakistan. Dr. Akmal Siddiq, Advisor for the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, commended the SECP for organizing the capacity-building program, which focuses on market development, regulation, and strengthening the commodity futures market. He also commended U.S. CFTC for providing valuable technical assistance to Pakistan and expressed his gratitude to Mr. Kevin Piccoli, Deputy Director at U.S. CFTC, for his support and for leading the capacity-building initiative. He expressed hope that training and awareness raising will ultimately lead to the development of commodities futures markets in Pakistan in the years to come. The training session was attended by relevant government functionaries, SECP officials, market intermediaries, agri tech companies and corporates. Participants explored the need to establish linkages between agricultural commodities markets and the futures market, and the ways to strengthen regulatory frameworks to build investor trust and promote market integrity. SECP and U.S. CFTC are holding a series of trainings sessions in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore. First session has already been held in Karachi and was well attended by various stakeholders