FPCCI announces formation of National Economic Think Tank

At an event marking the 31st anniversary of COMEX College in Karachi, Gohar Ejaz announces formation of new board

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The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has announced the establishment of the National Economic Think Tank (NETT) to address the country's economic challenges and foster long-term growth.

The think tank was unveiled during a press conference led by former caretaker Commerce Minister Gohar Ejaz, United Business Group (UBG) head S.M. Tanveer, and FPCCI Senior Vice President Saqib Fayyaz Magoon.

Gohar Ejaz shared that the NETT will be led by former caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar as president, with former caretaker Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar as CEO and Bashir Jan Muhammad as chairman.

The think tank includes 40 experts from various fields and aims to implement Vision 2030, targeting a 10% annual growth rate and boosting exports to $100 billion.

Ejaz cited policy inconsistency as a key obstacle to economic growth, noting that the country’s exports had only risen from $23 billion to $27.5 billion over 11 years. “If we had grown exports by 10% annually, they would have reached $60 billion by now,” he said.

S.M. Tanveer stressed the importance of resolving the independent power producers (IPP) issues, while Shamshad Akhtar outlined NETT’s mission to be an independent entity identifying key national issues.

Akhtar emphasized the need for a mix of public-private partnerships, investment-friendly policies, and shifting focus from subsidies to incentives.

Industry leaders expressed concerns about the rising cost of electricity, with Bashir Jan Muhammad highlighting it as the biggest challenge facing Pakistan’s trade and industrial sectors.

Ejaz called for comprehensive reforms to raise Pakistan’s economic standing, envisioning the country becoming the fifth-largest global economy.

At an event marking the 31st anniversary of COMEX College in Karachi, he announced the formation of a new board to guide national policy, naming Shamshad Akhtar as a board member.

Ejaz concluded by pledging Rs1 billion to establish a top-tier university in Karachi, aiming to fulfil his dream of turning the city into an academic hub.

"Government’s job is not to run businesses, but to create an environment where businesses can thrive,” he remarked.