Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry is one of the premier Chambers of the country, promoting economic activities in the region through close liaison between the Government Departments and private sector and SMEs growth through startups, incubators, entrepreneurships and industry-academia linkages are some of its traits.

This has been stated by President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Nasir Mansoor Qureshi while talking to the State Bank of Pakistan’s visiting delegation headed by the Chief Manager Adnan Imran, comprising Deputy Chief Manager, Imtiaz Ali and Deputy Director, Saeeda Bano.

The ICCI President highlighted that provision of level playing field by ensuring ease of doing business atmosphere to the community is the prime responsibility of the Chamber and that he is taking drastic measures to successfully achieve the objectives, adding that constitution of a Think Tank, R & D section, digitalization of the ICCI etc. are on the cards for the purpose.

Talking about the potential areas of collaboration between ICCI-SBP he said that both the institutions can work together on trade finance initiatives to facilitate imports and exports, Jointly promote microfinance schemes for entrepreneurs, Conduct joint research on economic trends, challenges and opportunities, establish business support centers for entrepreneur, organize training sessions for entrepreneurs and establish mentorship programs for startups by exercising collective wisdom to explore and grasp the opportunities.

On the occasion a consensus was evolved that State Bank of Pakistan will establish a Facilitation Desk at its premises for the awareness and education of the entrepreneurs and on its part ICCI will appoint a Focal Person for the better coordination and connectivity to achieve the cherish goals of enhancing economic activities in the region.

On his part Chief Manager SBP Adnan Imran apprised the ICCI President that the Bank Is going to organize a session on Islamic Banking in collaboration with the Chamber on November 26 in a befitting manner for the benefit of the business community as well as a session on Women Entrepreneurship on 19th of November 2024 to support women entrepreneurs in the region and to encourage them to significantly contribute in country’s development.

Deputy Chief Manager SBP, Imtiaz Ali stated that the Bank is steadfast in holding awareness events on startups, capacity building, research etc. in collaboration with the ICCI to fill the existing gap by identifying the challenges and therein promoting mentorship through comprehensive training sessions.

Both the sides agreed that this vital collaboration can raise economic growth, support businesses, Job creation and diversified entrepreneurship ecosystem in the region. ICCI Senior Vice President Abdur Rehman Siddiqui underlined the need for provision of maximum possible facilities to the business community especially women entrepreneurs for the economic wellbeing of the country.

Saeeda Bano, Deputy Director SBP and Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry also shared their visions on the subject by emphasizing the continuity of initiatives between the two prestigious institutions.