Since its inception, FPCCI has advocated and expressed the collective opinion, concerns and aspirations of the private sector and offered useful advice and solid assistance to the government in its efforts to promote exports, encourage foreign investment and stimulate economic activities in the country. FPCCI has its fingers on the pulse of the economy and serves as a bridge between the private sector and the government.
FPCCI plays an active role in promoting economic activities as well as identifying issues of trade, industry, services, investment, environment and protecting the interests of the private sector through continuous dialogue with the government.
Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh is currently serving as the President of FPCCI. He is highly qualified. confident. a determined and motivated entrepreneur and financial enthusiast with a large business. trade. and community spending. eager to expand the knowledge base and improve prospects for future entrepreneurial success by immersing themselves in the realm of business and commerce.
In a recent interview with The Green Post Mr Atif Ikram Sheikh shared valuable insights into the economic landscape and government policies in Pakistan.
Can you provide more details about your background and experience in trade politics?
Before becoming the President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce, I was the Vice President of the Federation, and my affiliation is with the Edible Oil Mill Industry. I have established the Edible Oil Refinery in Karachi, and I am also associated with All Over Dada Pakistan under different names. I have been involved in trade politics for the past 10 years, and thankfully, my focus has always been on contributing to the country’s progress. I aim to improve the economy, increase exports, and address ten main issues in the FPCCI. I have been associated with the apex body FPCCI since 2013, and I have visited every chamber and association across Pakistan during the election campaign. I have been elected as Chairman of the Election Association twice, and I have been the Regional Head of Haripur Chamber. My business is in Edible Oil, and I have a farm and refinery in Karachi. Thanks to the grace of Allah, I have a good reputation here in Islamabad.
Before becoming the FPCCI Chairman, what were your missions and goals for FPCCI?
I have been elected to this trade politics body since 2013,
and for the last ten years, we have been targeting to do something for the country. By the grace of Allah, we have everything, and our focus is to unite the country. We have a comprehensive strategy for it as well.
What is the level of collaboration of Chambers of Commerce with Women Chambers of Commerce?
Let me explain. Women Chambers have also supported us, and every Women Chamber, including those from other chambers, has voted for us. Just like Women Chambers, we have received votes from two Women Chambers this time. We have around 30 Women Chambers’ votes. Every year or every two years, whenever the Federation’s elections are held, there is always a Lady Vice President, and this time, our Lady Vice President is from the United Business Group. She is doing a great job in Faisalabad and Big Acre. She has gained a significant presence in marketing, and she is delivering results. Currently, she has formed several committees, which I operate.
What are your suggestions to the government regarding the upcoming budget?
I will tell you. The FBR has given us time until March 15th. We have requested the Federation of Pakistan to propose recommendations by then. We have asked all our trade bodies to send their suggestions and comments before March 15th on how they want things, what policies they want, any changes in taxation, how they want relaxation, and what incentives they desire. I believe we will get them by the next week, and then we will discuss our demands, which are the incentives for our business group. We will consider them, and we hope the government will consider and approve them in the budget.
Govt recently applied Cess tax in KP? Whats your opinion on that?
I think it is not justified because there is an area like KP, which brings so much freight and has so many taxes that it cannot be completed. It should not be like this; I completely condemn it. I made a statement today that this justification is not justified. I believe the government should be requested to remove it because it creates problems.
How inflation hits country? And what are your suggestions to govt to decrease ongoing inflation?
The common man is facing difficulties due to the rising inflation, and it is challenging.
The crude oil is increasing; everything is becoming a double commodity. But we should subsidize them; the government of Pakistan needs to immediately initiate a special class, like these stores, utility stores, and CSD stores. There are others in energy as well. I suggest that interest rate should be decrease from where it is today. It may impact on current inflation.
What are your expectation towards new government?
Look, these people are experienced individuals. The setup coming up now has already been done. I understand they have previously served Pakistan, and the policies they bring come from the business community. The policies they bring have ideas on how to run the country and manage institutions. So, I think we hope that they will run it in a better way. The government should ask business people what improvements can be made in order to compete globally, like setting up special economic zones and export-oriented units. These should be given to us so that we can export and compete globally.
One thing that every government announces but does not implement is window solutions. Many investors come to Pakistan from all over the world, and just because they don’t get the NOC. What’s your insight about that?
The One Window Operation has started over the past few weeks. You don’t need to go to any government office or get an NOC from anyone. Just apply online, and you get approval.
This is already done by the interim government; now,you can expect the same from this government as well. I wish and hope they continue this and bring even better policies. If they can bring a better policy, bring it. This solution is for every type of business
What do you think is the difference between Pakistan’s Chambers of Commerce and Chambers of other countries?
I think about our chambers, our federation, our research and development, our various institutions, and the different sectors are working great. I am confident that we are not less than anyone, and our chambers, associations of Pakistan are doing good work.
What is your message for the nation and the government?
I say that a new government is coming, a setup is coming; please provide some relief that an ordinary person can lead a decent life with ease. Let industries and businesses run, and let Pakistan’s exports be up-to-date. Thank you.
