To mark the 150th anniversary of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) in year 2010, Pakistan Post Office (PPO) has issued a commemorative stamp. The 150th anniversary is a significant event in country's economic and business history.
Established in 1860, OICCI is the oldest business chamber in country and one of the oldest in Asia. The chamber was formed with a nucleus of seven members, since then the Chamber has steadily increased its scope of activities and today boasts a membership that is diverse in terms of sector and geography. Its 183 members contribute 29 percent of the total GDP and 22 percent of the total tax receipts of country.
While speaking on the occasion, Farrukh H Khan, President OICCI, said, "OICCI's anniversary provides a rare opportunity to bring focus on this part of the world, where despite the negativities; hundreds of foreign companies have been operating profitably for the past 150 years."
The primary function of the Chamber is to foster a conducive, open and equitable business environment in Pakistan while facilitating transfer of best global practices in the country. It plays an active role in terms of representation and advocacy to the government, various regulatory bodies and policy makers.
The Chamber and its members have always been committed towards the growth and prosperity of country. This is further reflected in the CSR activities of the Chamber and its member companies who have on various occasions responded during its hour of need, such as the 2005 earthquake, for which the members donated PKR 5.6 billion collectively. Similarly members continue to contribute towards the cause of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).-PR