The Businessmen Forum has nominated Sardar Muhammad Ashraf Khan as its candidate for the office of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) president for 2005-06. Former FPCCI president Senator Ilyas Bilour of Businessmen Forum announced this at a press conference at the FPCCI office here on Wednesday.
Former FPCCI president Mian Habibullah, FPCCI Zonal Chief Sohail Altaf, Samiullah Butt of Business Forum, LCCI leader of opposition Tahir Manzoor Chaudhry, Pakistan Carpet Exporters and Manufacturers Association (PCEMA) Major Akhtar Nazir Cooki and Latif Bhola along with other leaders were also present on the occasion.
Bilour claimed that they were foreseeing conformable victory in the forthcoming elections and they would secure maximum number of votes, while turncoats would not be able to damage their established position.
He said they were already enjoying majority in the superior Chamber class. Out of the 16 Punjab's chamber, nine would cast vote in their favour. However, clear picture would be developed on December 16 when the elections of B class association would take place.
While highlighting the Forum's manifesto, he said that the main agenda was to restore the honour and dignity of the FPCCI members. He alleged that their opponents have compromised on the interests of the general members while gaining favour from the government and the Central Board of Revenue (CBR).
"They would ask the government to give the facility of export processing zone to all those industries exporting 70 percent of their production capacity. Moreover, we would also ask the government to provide hassle-free environment for the investors, manufacturers and traders to improve the quality and competence in the face of WTO regime," he added.
On Indo-Pak trade, he said that in 2005 Pakistan would have to enter into regional trade fora to secure more share from the global trade, thus, under the WTO and Safta Pakistan would have to enhance its trade with India.