KARACHI: Karachi and Lahore chambers agree to strengthen coordination, promote investment, reduce business costs and support export growth.
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have agreed to strengthen cooperation and jointly pursue the concerns of Pakistan’s business community with the relevant governments.
The understanding was reached during a meeting at the Lahore Chamber on Monday, where KCCI President Muhammad Rehan Hanif visited with a delegation. LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol welcomed the delegation. Senior representatives from both chambers also attended the meeting.
The participants discussed ways to improve coordination between the two major business organizations and develop practical proposals for resolving economic and commercial challenges.
Chambers Seek Practical Economic Reforms
LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol highlighted the importance of Karachi and Lahore as key economic centers of Pakistan. He said that closer collaboration between their chambers could support economic development, improve the business environment, attract investment and increase exports.
Saigol emphasized that identifying problems alone was insufficient and that workable solutions should be presented to the government. He called for a shared economic vision involving the government, industries, traders, investors, banks and chambers of commerce.
He further stated that business organizations should be consulted during the formulation of economic policies, as chambers serve as an important link between the private sector and government institutions.
KCCI President Muhammad Rehan Hanif said the All Pakistan Chambers Conference organized by LCCI had helped improve coordination among chambers nationwide. He stressed that Karachi and Lahore should continue raising common business issues jointly to ensure greater government attention.
He noted that regular meetings between the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman, relevant board members and Karachi’s business community had begun following KCCI’s efforts. The establishment of a PRAL office in Karachi had also helped businesses resolve tax-related matters without repeated visits to Islamabad.
Hanif identified high electricity and gas prices as major obstacles to industrial growth and export competitiveness. He called for a review of electricity pricing, IPP agreements and broader energy-sector reforms to reduce the cost of doing business.
He also urged Pakistan to expand its export base by promoting value-added manufacturing, agricultural products, dairy, roses and other goods made from local resources.
The KCCI president stressed the importance of developing skilled workers, particularly in nursing and technical fields, to create employment opportunities abroad and increase remittances.
Both chambers also emphasized promoting locally manufactured products to reduce imports and strengthen domestic industries. They agreed to further improve coordination and present joint recommendations on key economic issues wherever possible.
