Islamabad ( ) The tribal areas of merged districts are endowed with rich mineral resources including coal, copper, marble, limestone, soapstone, iron, gypsum, oil & gas and others, therefore, the government should provide maximum support to the business community in order to exploit these resources for generating business and economic activities to improve the health of the economy. This was said by Faad Waheed, Acting President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry while talking to Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi, President, Khyber Chamber of Commerce & Industry during his visit to ICCI.

Faad Waheed said that the merged tribal districts have good potential for business activities in many sectors including mines & minerals, agricultural, transport, trade, services and light engineering. However, the unskilled workforce, low productivity, outdated mining & cultivation methods and lack of storage facilities are some of the factors that are holding back these areas from their actual potential of economic growth. He stressed that the government should address these issues to boost the economy of these areas. He assured that ICCI would fully cooperate with Khyber Chamber of Commerce & Industry in resolving the key issues of the business community of the region.

Speaking at the occasion, Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi, President, Khyber Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) highlighted the key issues of the business community of the tribal areas. He said that the underdeveloped road network, lack of efficient public transport services and use of old mining methods are major hurdles in promoting business activities in the merged tribal areas. He said that the SMEs of these areas have great potential to promote business activities in various sectors including mining equipment, light engineering, agricultural tools, spare parts for automobile industry & hydropower equipment and stressed that the government should address their key issues and support them in business development that would help strengthen the local economy.

Both sides exchanged views on a range of matters of mutual interest and resolved to work together to solve issues of the business community and promote business and investment activities in both regions.