Businessmen want say in diplomats' appointment

Insist competent officers must be posted abroad who could widen trade.

LAHORE:

The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged the government to take the input of businessmen while appointing diplomats abroad, particularly the trade officers, as it is crucial for quicker and more effective economic outcomes.

In response to a recent media report, LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, in a statement, stressed the importance of merit-based appointments on key diplomatic positions. He said that competent individuals must be posted for such critical roles, who could effectively represent Pakistan's interests globally and widen trade.

He underscored that the government should consult chambers of commerce during the appointment process to ensure that only the qualified and capable individuals were chosen. Additionally, formal assessments should be made mandatory, with 10 additional marks allocated for interviews conducted in collaboration with the chambers.

The LCCI president pointed out that the business community was contributing trillions of rupees in taxes annually; thus it had the legitimate right to be part of consultations on matters that would directly impact the nation's economic future.

He attributed Pakistan's stagnant trade performance over the past 77 years to the lack of qualified individuals on critical positions overseas. These positions, often filled by individuals who were unable to effectively promote Pakistan's trade or present the nation's case on international platforms, have contributed significantly to the country's underperformance in global markets.

Shad came up with suggestions to address the challenges and improve the effectiveness of Pakistan's trade diplomacy. He said the government should conduct a comprehensive review of the performance of all trade officers over the past three months and share reports with the chambers of commerce for evaluation. "This will allow the business community to assess whether the officers are effectively promoting trade."

In addition, he said, each trade officer should be tasked with achieving a minimum 2.5% growth in trade every quarter. This performance-based approach will ensure that the officers are held accountable for the tangible results.

In the case of underperformance, they should be given a couple of opportunities to improve their performance. If they fail to achieve the target, they should be removed from their positions to make way for more capable individuals. The LCCI chief also emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in the appointment of trade officers and other diplomatic staff. "Such appointments must be made in close consultation with the private sector, particularly the chambers of commerce, to ensure that the interest of business community is adequately represented."