Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OICCI) on Friday demanded imposition of a quantitative ceiling on the imports for Afghanistan through the Afghan Transit Trade (ATT). The demand was made by President OICCI, Farrukh H. Khan, during a meeting with Zafar Mahmood, Secretary Commerce, who visited OICCI to understand the working of the Chamber and hear the concerns and suggestions of its members.
He said the ATT issue had repeatedly been raised by the Chamber on various occasions as well as in the OICCI Budget Proposals 2009, but it was yet to be resolved by the concerned authorities. He called safeguarding the interests of local as well as international investors, saying that a quantitative ceiling on imports required for Afghanistan was immediately needed.
While presenting an overview of the Chamber, Farrukh shared the results of the recently conducted Perception Survey 2009, launched on March 3, 2010. Abdul Aleem, Secretary General OICCI, welcomed the Secretary Commerce and representatives of OICCI member companies. Farukh Mazhar, Chairman of the chambers's Trade & Industry subcommittee gave an overview of the issues where the Ministry of Commerce can assist to facilitate the operating environment of the country.
During the discussion, OICCI tabled various issues that affect the modus operandi of businesses including the Afghan Transit Trade (ATT), need for a clear long term tariff policy and timely availability of accurate import data. OICCI President suggested that the government should include OICCI and its members in key decision making processes.
The Chamber emphasised on the need to develop proper infrastructure and policy framework for the industrial set-up of sectors that have significant potential ie Dairy, Agriculture - Corporate Farming, Mineral/Coal and Solar Cells. The Secretary of Ministry of Commerce (MoC) appreciated the suggestions put forth by the Chamber and acknowledged its contribution towards the economy of Pakistan.
While giving some guidelines for resolving these issues with relevant stakeholders in the government with utmost support, Mahmood recommended the OICCI to further enhance its research capacity to facilitate the Chamber as well as the MoC in putting together authentic data.
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