Tariq Khattak

Islamabad:Trade leader and founder President of Attock Chamber of Commerce Mirza Abdul Rehman on Sunday said that the top leadership of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) disregarded the Saudi investment delegation, which is shameful.

Saudi business delegates, led by their Minister for Investment, Shaeikh Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz Al Faleh, met with top officials, ministers, and leading businessmen during their visit, and they signed numerous Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that will result in an investment of over two billion dollars.

However, he said, not a single elected official of the Apex chamber had time to attend any meeting with the visiting delegation in Islamabad, as they were busy with activities beneficial to their own businesses.

Mirza Abdul Rehman said in a statement issued here today that, at the insistence of some quarters, two unelected businessmen were sent by the FPCCI Capital Official to attend a meeting who lacked the mandate and skills to talk to any investor about anything.

This negative attitude speaks to the interest of the elected leaders of the FPCCI in national development, promoting the image of Pakistan, and attracting foreign investment.

He demanded action against self-centered businessmen who focused on reaping personal benefits while ignoring national interests.

He stated that FPCCI should serve as a place where local and foreign investors receive support and have their issues resolved, not as a club to enjoy life.

He added that a chamber of commerce is a powerful force that can help shape the future of business for the better. It is a network of business owners who come together to network with each other and promote investments.

Chambers of Commerce are independent and do not create laws or regulations themselves, but they have great influence with legislators when it comes to lobbying and are therefore seen as an authoritative figure in the business landscape, he noted.

The Apex chamber should support legislation that will help businesses thrive through programs, campaigns, schemes, and discussions, but that is not the case in FPCCI.

FPCCI should provide businesses with the opportunity for extra exposure, a space to network with other business owners, and the ability to engage deeper with the community, but its leaders are only interested in promoting their personal relations and businesses, said Mirza Abdul Rehman.

He stated that the corruption, mismanagement, and incompetence of those in charge are causing the FPCCI’s reputation to plummet.