LAHORE: The Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s United Business Group on Thursday demanded the government to depute Director General Trade Organisation (DGTO) to takeover FPCCI on 1st January, 2023 as tenure of incumbent office bearers will end on December 31, 2022 in the light of National Assembly amendment.
UBG Chairman Shahzad Ali Malik Sitar-i-Imtiaz talking to a delegation of industrialists and traders led by Ch Abid Saleem Arain said that National Assembly in its latest session enacted a piece of legislation unanimously amending the commencement of two years tenure of FPCCI from January 2023 instead of 2022.
He said in the light of National Assembly amendment, the all office bearers of FPCCI cease to hold office after December 31, 2022. And government should direct DGTO to takeover apex trade body and hold its election in fair free and transparent manners otherwise federation funds will be usurped besides grossly misuse of authority contrary to the larger interests of the business community.
Hailing the prudent decision of the government enhancing the tenure of Chamber from one year to two years with effect from 1st January, 2023, he said now truly elected body of federation will evolve long-term viable strategy to accelerate economic activities and strengthen national economy on sound footings.
He said it is admitted fact worldwide that business community is always the backbone of the national economy and federation advocates the just cause of the business community in the corridors of power at all federal, provincial and regional levels. He said it’s also established fact that in prevailing scenario, the survival of state now mainly rested on sustainable economic growth.
Shahzad Ali Malik said UBG after coming to power will live up to the aspirations of industrialists and traders and never ditch the community. He said UBG will act as a bridge between public and private sector to help address their genuine grievances and promote congenial environment for doing business. He said business community is as loyal as to the country like other citizens.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2022