Global ranking: ICCI criticises Pakistan’s weak position on index
Association’s chief voices concern over country’s difficulty for doing business.
ISLAMABAD:
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has called upon the government to take corrective measures to facilitate businessmen after the World Bank’s ease of doing business index saw Pakistan languish at 128 out of 189 economies.
Expressing great concerns over the falling global ranking, ICCI President Muzzamil Hussain Sabri said the latest report has shown Pakistan to be a difficult place to do business as its global ranking has further come down, which should be a cause of great concern for the policymakers.
Sabri said many countries have taken steps to implement a broad range of reforms to improve the business environment. “But successive governments, despite making promises, have been unable to create a conducive business environment.” He said the government should take steps to make the complex procedures of business registration easier, give preference to businesses in providing utility services and simplify the complicated tax payments procedures as these are the main hurdles.
ICCI chief said international investors make decisions after reviewing a country’s position on the ‘Ease of Doing Business Index. However, Pakistan’s unsatisfactory position could deter potential investors.
Sabri added that countries like Singapore and Switzerland were preferred destinations for investors because they have brought progressive reforms for doing business and Pakistan should work on similar lines to provide maximum facilitation.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2014.
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has called upon the government to take corrective measures to facilitate businessmen after the World Bank’s ease of doing business index saw Pakistan languish at 128 out of 189 economies.
Expressing great concerns over the falling global ranking, ICCI President Muzzamil Hussain Sabri said the latest report has shown Pakistan to be a difficult place to do business as its global ranking has further come down, which should be a cause of great concern for the policymakers.
Sabri said many countries have taken steps to implement a broad range of reforms to improve the business environment. “But successive governments, despite making promises, have been unable to create a conducive business environment.” He said the government should take steps to make the complex procedures of business registration easier, give preference to businesses in providing utility services and simplify the complicated tax payments procedures as these are the main hurdles.
ICCI chief said international investors make decisions after reviewing a country’s position on the ‘Ease of Doing Business Index. However, Pakistan’s unsatisfactory position could deter potential investors.
Sabri added that countries like Singapore and Switzerland were preferred destinations for investors because they have brought progressive reforms for doing business and Pakistan should work on similar lines to provide maximum facilitation.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2014.