ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastigr will try to motivate overseas investors to invest in Pakistan today (Thursday).
The Minister will also listen problems and hardships of the investors during an interactive session with overseas investors during his address to members and office bearers of Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI).
Well-placed at Ministry of Commerce (MoC) on Wednesday told this scribe that the Commerce Minister would pay a visit to OICCI that serves as a platform to promote foreign investments thereby playing a major role in the growth of commerce and industry in the country. As the oldest and largest investment chamber, OICCI draws on a diverse membership both in terms of sector and geography with the current 194 members representing 35 different countries and 14 different sectors of trade and industry.
“Since the Minister has taken charge of the affairs of the Ministry, he has been very much concerned about the low volume of exports and is willing to convince overseas Pakistanis to invest in the country to bring revolution of exports through industrialization,” the source added, saying that to quench his thirst, the Minister had expressed intention to meet and address the OICCI.
The source said that the minister would be in Karachi for next two days to chair board meetings of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Export Development Fund (EDF) on Friday. Therefore, he thought it better to take advantage of the opportunity and address the OICCI.
The source further said that in his address the Minister would urge the OICCI members to invest in the country by benefitting out of investment friendly policies of the government. He would also highlight major policy decisions taken by his ministry to facilitate the investors. Secretary Commerce Shahzad Arbab will also accompany with the Minister during his visit to OICCI.
It is pertinent to mention here that in its comprehensive function as a facilitator to foreign investors, OICCI plays a vital role on several fronts as well as it is frequently called upon to assist government in policy formulation in the financial, commercial and industrial sectors, particularly where it impacts foreign investment in Pakistan. OICCI ensures that the voice of its membership is heard in the right quarters and influences policymaking.
The chamber also helps its member navigate difficulties arising due to anomalies in laws or policy implementation. In order to promote the views of its members, OICCI participates in the policy making process by timely submission of Taxation and Trade Policy proposals developed in consultation with member companies to relevant ministries before announcement of the annual national budget and trade policy.
