Prominent business leader, Chairman, CEO Unilever Pakistan Ltd and former President Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) Amir R. Paracha has said that we can unlock Pakistan's vast economic potential, drive sustainable growth and create a prosperous future for generations to come through conviction, hope and prosperity.

He said this while addressing the ICCI ceremony held to honour with the prestigious Business Role Model Award in recognition of his services for Pakistan’s economy here at the Chamber House on Thursday evening.

Amir Paracha underlined the need for the promotion of positivity with regard to the country instead of negativity to pull it out from the existing painful situation through talent and intellect towards the progress and prosperity.

He said that Pakistan is not a poor country but the poorly managed country and the only need is to exercise determination, commitment and loyalty. He cited the examples of a neighboring country and Indonesia, which in 90’s were facing the worst economic crunch but today have emerged as economic giants.

Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( ICCI ) impressed upon the government to take on board the multinational companies like Unilever for enhancing the tax base and success of the Tajir Dost like Schemes. He also said that these companies should also be taken on board for the promotion of country’s exports by giving them the targets.

He added that as CEO Unilever, Amir R. Paracha enhanced Unilever's reputation and brand value through effective stakeholder engagement and communication, fostered a culture of innovation, driving R&D and digital transformation within the organization.

He also said that the multinational companies like Unilever should not supply their products to the business entities having no NTN in the best interest of the country.

Dr. Anila Kamal, Vice Chancellor Rawalpindi Women University commended the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) for its instrumental role in fostering university-industry linkages, bridging the gap between academia and industry. She particularly praised Amir Paracha, former President of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for his outstanding contributions to promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth.

Former President Islamabad Chamber of Conference and Industry and Secretary General United Business Group Zafar Bakhtawari congratulated Amir Paracha on receiving the ICCI prestigious award by saying that this recognition is a testament to his tireless efforts and commitment to driving positive change in Pakistan's economic landscape, highlighting that he was also decorated with the ‘Shan-e-Pakistan ‘award to acknowledge Unilever’s endeavors against Corona war.

He also sought Unilever’s support for the procurement of necessary equipment to establish an FM Radio in the Chamber for the promotion of businesses in the country.

Senior Vice President ICCI Faad Waheed said that by prioritizing business excellence and growth, the ICCI aims to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan's socio-economic progress, improving the lives of citizens and strengthening the nation's global standing.

Council member Nasir Qureshi said that vision, sincerity and hard work are the only way to move forward for the economic wellbeing of the country adding that ICCI will continue to play the role of a bridge between the government the business community with the same determination and zeal.

President All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajraan Ajmal Baloch by extending congratulations to the awardee underlined the need for the provision of necessary facilities to the business community especially reduction in high taxes and power tariffs.

A large number of business community members, academia, government officials, ICCI executives, Market Committees’ Presidents attended the ceremony including Akhtar Abbasi, Rizwan Chheena, Malik Mohsin Khalid, Irfan Chaudhry, Ch. Mohammad Ali, Maqsood Tabish, Imtiaz Abbasi, Ikhlaq Abbasi, Naeem Awan, Ahmed Khan, Ch. Zafar Gujjar and other.