Abdul Hadi Mayar Islamabad
Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer Faisal Zahid Malick and President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sardar Tahir Mahmood have urged the government to pay special attention to problems being faced by the trading community of the Federal capital.
They made the call at their special meeting at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Speaking on the occasion, Faisal Zahid Malik thanked Sardar Tahir Mahmood and other leaders of the Chamber for warmly welcoming him. He appreciated the proactive role of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) under the leadership of President Sardar Tahir Mehmood for promoting economic diplomacy, strengthening engagement with foreign missions and creating new opportunities for the business community. He appreciated the ICCI leadership for organizing the interactive session and termed it a constructive initiative towards strengthening Pakistan’s trade and economic relations with ASEAN countries.
He expressed the hope that ICCI would continue to host such informative and interactive sessions in future for the facilitation of the business community.
He further said that media and business institutions must work together to highlight Pakistan’s economic potential, investment opportunities and positive business initiatives at national and international levels. He reaffirmed that Daily Pakistan Observer would continue to support constructive efforts aimed at economic growth and business development.
Speaking on the occasion, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood highlighted the important role of responsible media in projecting positive economic activities and effectively raising the issues and challenges faced by the business community. He appreciated the prominent and consistent coverage of ICCI activities by Daily Pakistan Observer and termed the newspaper an important voice of the business sector.
He assured that Pakistan Observer would continue to provide excellent coverage to Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He asked the chamber leaders to particularly pinpoint the issues, which media should highlight. Faisal Zahid Malick also highlighted his activities as Chairman Media Committee of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He said as the Chairman of FPCCI Committees, he has, in his meetings with federal ministers, been highlighting the difficulties faced by thevtraders community.
Sardar Tahir Mahmood greatly appreciated the role of daily Pakistan Observer and the Observer Media Group in promoting national interests, particularly the interests of the business community. He said Pakistan Observer enjoys a prestigious position in the Pakistani media and it gave extensive coverage to all sectors of Pakistan’s politics and national economy.
Sardar Tahir Mahmood also appreciated the coverage Pakistan Observer was giving to the ICCI activities. He expressed the hope that Pakistan Observer will continue the excellent coverage of the business community.
He highlighted the activities of the Chambers and urged the government departments to facilitate the business community. He said the construction industry particularly faced problems in Islamabad while the FBR has imposed heavy rate of charges on property.
He also highlighted the charges levied by CDA and called for reducing them.
He apprised Faisal Zahid Malik of the major milestones achieved by the Chamber under the current leadership and shared future initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business in the region. He said ICCI is actively engaged in policy advocacy, investment facilitation, business networking and promoting stronger linkages between the public and private sectors for sustainable economic growth.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood emphasized that effective collaboration between chambers of commerce and media institutions is essential to project a positive image of Pakistan’s economy, encourage investment and support business-friendly policies. He added that ICCI has been making continuous efforts to connect the local business community with international markets through interaction with diplomats, trade representatives and foreign investors, enabling businesses to explore new opportunities in regional and global markets.
Both the leaders urged the need for rationalizing taxes. The sides agreed to remain in close contact for the promotion of the business activities in the region in the best economic interest of the country.
On the invitation of ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood, Faisal Zahid Malik also participated in the interactive session held during the visit of Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Pakistan, Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, to the Chamber. The session focused on exploring bilateral trade and investment avenues between Pakistan and the Philippines and discussed opportunities for enhancing economic cooperation, business-to-business linkages and engagement with ASEAN markets.
Earlier, on his arrival at the ICCI office, Faisal Zahid Malik was warmly welcomed by the Chamber leaders.
