Government must engage business community for effective policy-making: ICCI President.

  • July 12, 2024
The business community is the backbone of a nation's progress, and the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) is committed to supporting its growth and success. ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari emphasized this while meeting with a delegation from the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (ICSTSI) led by its President Sajjad Sarwar at the Chamber House. Bakhtawari reaffirmed ICCI's priority to address the concerns of the business community, creating a favorable environment that fosters entrepreneurship, innovation, and prosperity.

Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari highlighted that the ICCI is actively working towards the advancement and development of the business sector. He underscored that collaboration among all stakeholders would significantly enhance efforts to achieve shared welfare objectives. Unity among traders, he noted, would convey a compelling message to the government, advocating for the facilitation of business operations in the country.

The ICCI President acknowledged the myriad challenges faced by traders and industrialists, asserting that these issues could be effectively resolved through solidarity and collective action under the ICCI's aegis. He reiterated the importance of upholding the respect and dignity of the business community, as well as the inviolability of their constitutional rights.

Bakhtawari urged the government to incorporate the insights of the business community into decision-making and policy formulation processes to ensure a favorable and business-friendly climate. He also called for the implementation of streamlined operations to promote business and investment, alongside equitable and amicable tax collection practices.

He stated that with unity, Islamabad could be transformed into an exemplary city, serving as a nucleus for industrial, educational, IT, and healthcare activities. He further urged the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to prioritize market development and the enhancement of city infrastructure. Acknowledging the significant contributions of small traders and industries to the economy, he called on the government to address their key issues to facilitate their growth.

On his part, ICSTSI President Sajjad Sarwar congratulated the ICCI President and his team for organizing a successful All Pakistan Chambers Presidents Conference, which united business leaders to discuss community issues and propose solutions to the government.

Sarwar underscored the importance of unity among business leaders, stating that by consolidating their resources, expertise, and experience, they can forge a powerful and unified voice to effectively address community issues and promote business growth and development.

The ICSTSI delegation included former Presidents Saqib Abbasi, Rana Ayuaz, Malik Nadeem Tahir Araian, Chaudhry Saeed, and Waheed Babi. Representatives from the ICCI included Khalid Chaudhry, Akhtar Abbasi, Malik Shabbir, Nisar Mirza, and Shahid Abbasi.