Business confidence improves

OICCI survey shows sharp recovery, driven by economic stability

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ISLAMABAD:

The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has unveiled the results of its Business Confidence Index (BCI) Survey – Wave 27, conducted across Pakistan in March and April 2025.

The results were announced following a meeting between OICCI's senior leadership and Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. According to a press statement issued on Thursday, overall business confidence improved significantly by 16 percentage points—from negative 5% in the previous wave (October-November 2024) to positive 11%.

The statement attributed the improvement to macroeconomic stability, declining inflation, and expectations of better business conditions in the next six months. Among sectors, the manufacturing sector led the recovery, improving from negative 3% to positive 15%, followed by the retail/wholesale sectors, which rose from negative 18% to positive 2%. The services sector increased from 2% to 10%.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said, "The uptick in business confidence is a clear sign that our economic direction is on the right track. We are focused on creating a conducive environment for investment, supporting private sector growth, and ensuring long-term macroeconomic resilience. The improved sentiment among businesses is both encouraging and a validation of our collective efforts."

Yousaf Hussain, President OICCI, said, "Over the past two years, overall business confidence has shown a notable improvement. This sharp recovery in the latest Wave 27 reflects the resilience of Pakistan's business sector and its readiness to seize emerging growth opportunities. To maintain this momentum, there must be greater policy consistency, transparency, and active engagement with key stakeholders including OICCI members."

The BCI Wave 27 survey showed increased optimism for the next six months, with 45% of respondents expressing positive expectations. Contributing factors include economic growth, improved government policies, investment climate, and the security situation.