Yassar Sakhi Butt, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) made these remarks while commenting on upcoming Trade Policy which is likely to be announced next month. 
 

He said that energy shortage, high power tariffs and credit cost, insufficient support for technology up-gradation, lack of proper infrastructure, shortage of skilled manpower and law and order situation were the main challenges affecting industrial growth. ICCI President said that forthcoming Trade Policy should address all these issues on priority to enhance the competitiveness of firms, which is key to effectively compete in today’s world of intense competition. 
 

Yassar Sakhi Butt said that industrialists are not getting any technical support from the Government to up-grade technology and they have to invite technical experts from foreign countries with their own efforts and at their own expense for installation of new technology and machinery.

He said despite having a potential demographic dividend, industries in Pakistan are facing shortage of skilled labor. He said skills up-gradation programs should be conducted through Chambers of Commerce & Industry to provide skilled manpower to industries.
 

ICCI President said Government in coordination with Chambers should conduct needs analysis surveys of industries to find out their emerging needs and to come up with remedial measures to address those needs. He said that tariffs on the import of industrial raw material should also be reduced to facilitate the promotion of export oriented industries. 
 

He suggested that Pakistan’s commercial sections abroad should prepare market analysis reports to explore more trade and export opportunities for Pakistan. ICCI President said foreign qualified Pakistani youth should be engaged in coordination with Commercial Sections abroad to carry out such studies.