In Faisalabad, roadmap unveiled for overcoming trade challenges

FCCI chief says efforts will be stepped up to bridge govt-business gap

FAISALABAD: The All Pakistan Traders Convention and a separate gathering of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) would be held very soon in Faisalabad in an effort to forge unity and consensus among businessmen as well as revive the dwindling economy, a trade body chief said.

Speaking at a press conference at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) on Monday, newly elected FCCI President Rana Muhammad Sikandar Azam spelled out his 20-point road map, saying he would seek cooperation with all sectors to address important national issues confronted by the business community.

He talked about his recent meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan and emphasised that efforts would be expedited to bridge the widening gap between the government and business community.

He announced that sector-wise technocrat committees would be constituted while a think tank would also be established for advising the government on economic issues of national importance.

Elaborating his 20-point road map, the FCCI chief said revival of sick units was imperative to reducing the ranks of unemployed. He also underlined the importance of industry-academia linkages and proposed the constitution of a committee comprising vice chancellors of all Faisalabad-based universities and the FCCI president.

He told the media that 70 acres of land had been allocated for establishing the Faisalabad Expo Centre in the M3 Industrial City. “I will try to get finances from the Export Development Fund (EDF) for starting construction work as soon as possible,” he added.

Azam also pointed out that long-term cheap loans may be provided for small power looms, which were currently being doled out to the exporters and big industrialists only.

“I have requested the prime minister to visit Faisalabad; it will certainly help expedite work on delayed development projects in addition to providing an opportunity for local parliamentarians to request a mega development package for the overall uplift of the city,” he said.

He stressed that Islamabad-based ambassadors and foreign diplomats would also be invited to visit Faisalabad and interact with the business community with focus on enhancing national exports.

He pointed out that the FCCI was organising “Made in Faisalabad Expo” in Lahore every year, adding that the chamber would try to expand it to at least two other major cities.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8^th, 2019.

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