Towards prosperity: UNDP, KPCCI join hands to promote trade

PESHAWAR:

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KPCCI) have agreed to initiate joint efforts to promote trade, business and industrial activities in the region as well as to ensure the involvement of private sector.

The decision was made at a meeting held at KPCCI on July 31 that lasted for more than an hour where representatives from both parties discussed economic issues pertaining to K-P, tribal areas and the neighbouring Afghanistan. The UNDP was represented by Edward Rees while KPCCI Senior Vice President Engineer Maqsood Pervez and Vice President Haji Iqbal Afridi were also present on the occasion.

KPCCI representatives believed that industrialists and businessmen of the region are willing to contribute and cooperate and the only thing that is missing is encouragement from the government. They expressed pleasure over the UNDP’s involvement as it would stimulate trade and business and also generate employment opportunities for thousands.

“For a year and a half, terrorism and militancy have plagued K-P and the tribal belt,” Rees said, adding, “as if its location had not already disadvantaged the region.” He briefed the KPCCI office-bearers about UNDP efforts and strategies for the promotion of economic and industrial activity universally, and particularly in Pakistan. He stated that the UN will help with capacity-building of entrepreneurs, skill development of labourers and also assist in resolving other problems.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Rees said, “We will fund the early design and then find investors for the remaining collaboration. Within 100 days, we will work the financial assistance out.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 2^nd, 2015.