Traders call for drastic reforms to boost exports

ISLAMABAD - The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has asked the government to bring drastic reforms in order to achieve sustainable development and boost exports.

ICCI President Sheikh Amir Waheed expressed his view during a meeting with former senator Syed Zafar Ali. MQM MNA Abdul Rasheed Godil, former MNA Haji Pervaiz, FPCCI former President Abdul Rauf Alam, MPA Ms. Yaseen Lari, former ABAD Senior Vice Chairman Arif Jeeva, FPCCI’s Ahmed Chennai, Khawaja Ali and Muzzamil Sabri were also present at the occasion.

Showing concerns over the World Bank’s report about Pakistan’s devastating macroeconomic discipline, Waheed said exports were declining which was posing negative impact on Pakistan's balance of payments.

He urged the government to address all major issues of exporters including stuck tax refunds on a priority basis in order to turn around the decreasing exports. He emphasized that Senators and MNAs should play role in making business friendly policies that were necessary for reviving the economy.

He said due to unfavorable conditions for local exporters, our regional competitors were grabbing Pakistan’s share in international export market which should be a cause of concerns for the policymakers and emphasized that government should pay priority attention to provide needed support to the exporters.

Speaking at the occasion, Syed Zafar Ali Shah said that business community was making vital contribution in the economic development of the country and assured that he would play role for highlighting their key issues at all relevant forums for urgent attention of the government.