In the present era of modernization the freedom of expression is considered a right of every individuals and comments whatsoever made by any individual are considered his personal views in personal capacity. This was commented by Shifaat Zaidi Chairman of the FPCCI Standing Committee on Research and Development while vehemently denying a news of a local chamber trade body published in some sections of newspapers criticizing the Research and Development Department of FPCCI and alleging plagiarization of its research report on CPEC.
The publically available documents particularly on common subjects like CPEC where familiarity of views possible can't be termed as plagiarisation of documents/publication, he added. He added that FPCCI's Research Department has a very professional team consisting of PhDs/M.Phil and well aware about the ethics of research and development. In the past, FPCCI research department has conducted comprehensive studies on revival of the economy and Vision 2025, which was wholeheartedly taken by the present Government. Apart from this, the department regularly provides policy advocacy to concerned quarters on Monetary Policy, Trade Policy, Fiscal Policy, Industrial policy, WTO related strategies, FTA/PTAs, competitiveness and regional issues.
The Chairman clarified that FPCCI has already prepared and launched a comprehensive study on "China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Farsightedness, Apprehensions and Background" in December 2016 presenting FPCCI stance which was appreciated by all concerned Ministries including Planning Commission and trade bodies whereas the report of the said Local Chamber was launched in February 2017.
FPCCI is also MoU partner of Planning Commission on Economic policy advocacy and thereafter has also already formulated a Committee on CPEC; which regularly meets and give policy suggestions to the government on CPEC related issues. The FPCCI stance is only given by the President as Chief Spokesman of FPCCI and secondly, the publically available documents can't be termed as plagiarisation of documents/publication, he added.-PR