ICCI urges removal of business barriers to attract investment

Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Muhammad Zikria Akbar Zia urged the removal of business barriers during a visit to the SIFC Business Facilitation Centre in Islamabad.

He called the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s one-window facility an important step towards attracting investment and supporting economic growth.

What did the ICCI say about the SIFC one-window facility?

The ICCI president praised the one-window facility for bringing key government departments dealing with business and investment under one roof. He said it could improve the business environment and help attract investment. Zia added that streamlined procedures and better coordination among government institutions are essential to unlocking Pakistan’s economic potential.

Zia visited the Business Facilitation Centre (BFC) with ICCI Senior Vice President Mohammad Ashfaq Hussain Chatha and a delegation of business leaders. BFC head Salman Malik and his team received the delegation and briefed them on the centre’s operations.

Why does the ICCI want business barriers removed?

Zia called for practical measures to improve the ease of doing business. He said removing bureaucratic hurdles and addressing entrepreneurs’ concerns could attract fresh investment, revive industrial activity and strengthen the country’s export capacity.

He stressed that stronger public-private partnerships are needed to unlock Pakistan’s economic potential. Closer cooperation between government institutions and the private sector, he said, would help identify investment opportunities and resolve obstacles faced by investors. It would also help turn economic potential into tangible results.

Zia said the visit reflected ICCI’s commitment to strengthening institutional ties. He added that the chamber supports initiatives aimed at making Pakistan a more attractive destination for investors.

Who was in the ICCI delegation?

Besides Zia and Chatha, the delegation included Islamabad Industrial Association President Omais Khattak. ICCI Executive Committee members Israr Mishwani, Abrar ul Haq, Zohaib Arshed Malik and Rana Iftikhar Ahmed Khan also attended.

Former Executive Committee member Mian Waqas Masood and Secretary General Ghulam Murtaza completed the group.