Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) called on Atif Ikram Sheikh, President, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), and discussed with him the ways and means to work closely to address the key issues of the business community.

Talking to President ICCI, Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI said that the business community is the backbone of the economy and FPCCI would take all possible measures to resolve their issues and facilitate them in business development. He said that the FPCCI would work with the newly elected government to address the economic challenges, tackle the issue of rising inflation, reduce high policy interest rate, improve exports, enhance forex reserves, and revive the economy. He said that he would take all chambers of commerce and trade associations on board on important matters of the economy to present a consensus voice of the business community to the government. He said that he would work closely with the newly elected government to promote ease of doing business in the country and improve the economy. He said that ICCI is doing good work for the business community and he would always cooperate with it in efforts to promote a business-friendly environment and facilitate the better growth of trade and industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the economy of Pakistan is facing multiple challenges and the President FPCCI should cooperate with the newly elected government to steer the country out of economic crisis and put it on the path of sustainable economic development. He said that Pakistan has good potential to boost exports of IT, pharmaceutical, textiles, and other sectors and FPCCI should work with the government to address the issues of the export sector and create a conducive environment for export promotion.v Ahsan Bakhtawari said that the FPCCI should start working on budget proposals in consultation with all chambers of commerce and trade associations to present a comprehensive document of proposals based on the input of the business community for the forthcoming budget to the government. He assured that ICCI would fully cooperate with FPCCI in promoting the business and economic activities in the country.

Faad Waheed, Senior Vice President ICCI hoped that Atif Ikram Sheikh would act as a bridge between the government and the private sector and play a role to create a conducive business environment in the country.