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Karachi, the only port city
in Pakistan, serves as principal gateway to Pakistan. Almost all external
trade handled by its two major operating ports via Karachi Port and Port
Qasim. It is the biggest metropolis of Pakistan, having population of about
11.5 millions. Over the years, it has emerged as the industrial, financial
and commercial capital of the country. The Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Karachi enjoys singular distinction of being the premier Chamber of the
country, representing the mainstream of economic activities by virtue of its
location in industrial and commercial hub of the country.
It was formed in
1959 through the amalgamation of four trade bodies in Karachi at that time,
namely, the Pakistan Merchants Association, Buyers and Shippers Chamber,
Chamber of Commerce Pakistan and All Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and
Industry. It was restricted under the Trade Organizations Ordinance 1961,
which regulates the working of the Trade Bodies in the country. The Chamber
is affiliated with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce &
Industry. The untiring efforts of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry are
long comparable in promoting the industries and elaborating, has long been
busy to brought all the issues and problems pertaining the business
Community in front of the Govt. to resolve them as per requirement.
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry has been organizing the
International Exhibition since 2001 and this time also it organized its 6th
International Exhibition "My Karachi Oasis of Harmony" in collaboration with
Government of Sindh and CDGK, the Inaugural Ceremony held on, June 5, 2009
at Karachi Expo Center.
Anjum Nisar, President of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, in an
inaugural ceremony has openly mentioned that Siraj Kassam Teli's leadership
has provided a robust & encouraging environment to foster the team's agility
& enthusiasm that is currently engaged in elevation Karachi Chamber of
Commerce & Industry up to International Standards. He also owed his
compliments to his colleagues Tahir Khalil, Zubair Motiwala and Haroon
Farooki for supporting the KCCI. While catching the attentions of the
business community he said that Karachi is the centre for commercial and
industrial activities as well as a hub for financial and service sector of
Pakistan. In his address, while throwing light on the important of
exhibition, he pinpointed that KCCI has designed sixth "My Karachi Oasis of
Harmony (2009)" exhibition to act as the avenue for interactive (B2B)
business - to - business linkages and (B2C) business to consumer's
relationship.
He stated, "KCCI's My Karachi Expo is a showcase platform for domestic and
global products and services to small traders, large industries, FMCG
manufacturers, service providers, multinational companies, financial
institutions and social welfare agencies of Pakistan and over 50,000
visitors to come and shop in style and strengthen the relationship among
local and foreign corporate entities". He expressed his feelings of
jubilation over the participation of many countries etc; Turkey, Indonesia,
Bangladesh, Vietnam & Sri Lanka. He was of the view that government, on its
first priority, should change the live of Karachiites and for the
development of trade & industry while demanding the proper electricity to
this metropolis city.
The President urged the government to provide equal playing field to trade &
industry of Sindh and particularly of Karachi, for taking appropriate
measures to reduce the high cost of doing business, reduce the rising prices
of utilities & others effects, rectify prolonged power & gas outages,
improve the deteriorating law & order situation, recommend to reduce mark up
rates, minimize multiplicity of taxes and levies, clarify negative portrayal
of Pakistan's image in the international media resulting in negative travel
advisories to buys of foreign countries, inconsistencies in the rules &
regulations governing economic activities such as unexpected change in the
rules of taxations, the new established government does not implement the
programmes chalked out by previous governments.
There should be no
frequently changing of tariff structure. Supporting his views he said Small
& Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the economy of any country.
I would recommend the business community & the Govt. to extend special
emphasis to promote the SME sector. I would urge the concern circles of the
Govt. to establish more SME zones with one dedicated SME Zone for women
Entrepreneurs. It is indeed, small and medium enterprises that can bring
about economic revolution. In others Zubari Motiwala said in his warm
address that no country gains a proper business unless its assures law &
order situation, peace, stability and tranquility.
He was of the view that
he is assuring his full support to catch the foreign investors in Pakistan
to make it the hub of international activities. Elucidating, he said that KCCI's efforts are no long comparable in organizing the My Karachi, Oasis of
Harmony, in the shape of 6th International exhibition in Karachi. Siraj
Kasam Teli, chairman businessmen group and former president of Karachi
chamber of commerce & industry said that Industrialization is the only way
to make a county more strengthen and it should be the foremost duty of the
government to make it strong at solid bases while providing electricity &
gas, ensuring law & order situation, providing peace and stability and
stopping target killing.
Mr. Rauf Siddiqiui assured the business community that he doing much to
promote industry. He quoted that as he already started separate power zone
for industrial zone in Site so that no problems can be witnesses in the near
future. While lauding the efforts of Anjum Nisar he such programs give a
proof of peace, stability and in Karachi and in the country as well. Nisar
Khoro in his final words highlighted the importance of such programs by KCCI
and said that one day the Karachi will emancipate from the prevailing
disturbance and deterioration. |