KARACHI: In a significant step towards strengthening inter-chamber collaboration and presenting a unified voice on critical economic challenges, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) and the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) Saturday agreed to maintain frequent interaction and structured engagements between the two chambers to effectively highlight and resolve pressing issues faced by the business community.
The understanding was reached during a high-level meeting held at KCCI, where the visiting delegation of FCCI, led by President FCCI Farooq Yousuf Sheikh, along with Senior Vice President Naveed Akram Sheikh and Vice President Engr. Asim Munir, held detailed discussions with KCCI Office Bearers including President Muhammad Rehan Hanif, Senior Vice President Muhammad Raza, Vice President Arif Lakhani and Executive Committee Members.
At the outset, both sides emphasized that the prevailing economic environment necessitates closer coordination, regular engagement, and continuous exchange of views among chambers of commerce to ensure that the concerns of the business community are effectively articulated in a strong and unified manner.
President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry Rehan Hanif presenting crest to President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) Farooq Yousuf Sheikh during his visit to KCCI on Saturday. Senior Vice President KCCI Muhammad Raza, Vice President KCCI Arif Lakhani, Senior Vice President FCCI Naveed Akram Sheikh, Vice President FCCI Engr Asim Munir and KCCI Executive Committee Members are also seen in the picture.
It was mutually agreed that instead of limiting engagement to occasional events, both chambers would remain in constant contact through frequent meetings, reciprocal visits, and ongoing consultations. This approach would enable timely identification of emerging issues, development of consensus-based recommendations, and coordinated efforts to engage with policymakers for prompt resolution of challenges affecting trade and industry.
The leadership of both chambers underscored that enhanced interaction at regular intervals would help maintain momentum, strengthen institutional linkages, and ensure that a consistent and powerful voice of the business community is raised at all relevant forums.
During the meeting, both Presidents held an in-depth exchange of views on the most pressing economic challenges currently impacting Pakistan’s business landscape. Particular concern was expressed over the persistently high cost of energy, especially electricity and gas tariffs, which continue to undermine industrial competitiveness and export performance.
The participants also highlighted various budgetary anomalies that require urgent attention in the forthcoming federal budget, stressing the need for rationalization of taxes, simplification of procedures, and introduction of business-friendly policies to revive economic activity and restore investor confidence.
President KCCI Muhammad Rehan Hanif stated that the business community across Pakistan is facing common challenges, which demand a collective and coordinated response. He emphasized that stronger engagement between major chambers would significantly enhance the effectiveness of advocacy efforts at the national level.
President FCCI Farooq Yousuf Sheikh concurred and reiterated the importance of sustained interaction and institutional collaboration. He also extended a formal invitation to President KCCI to visit Faisalabad Chamber, which was graciously accepted, further strengthening ties between the two chambers.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue working closely in the larger national interest and to ensure that the issues confronting the business community are addressed through practical, timely, and result-oriented policy measures.
