By: Mawaiz Khan Akash / Khadija Khan

BM. Please throw a brief light on the role of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry being the Vice President of it.
Ans: Since its inception in 1950, the FPCCI has advocated and voiced the collective opinion, concern and aspiration of the private sector and offered helpful advice and solid assistance to the Government in its efforts to promote exports, encourage foreign investment and stimulate economic activity in the country. The FPCCI has its fingers on the pulse of the economy and serves as a bridge between the private sector and the Government.
The FPCCI is playing an active role in presenting problems of trade, industry and environment and safeguarding the interests of the private sector through constant dialogue with the Government.

BM. We would like to know aesthetically to how do you cope with the responsibilities being at a responsible post for other departments, apart from meeting the Federation?
Ans: In this context, I would be of this view, that there is no alternate of your founding. I was very committed to my responsibilities even at the age of 16 when I was leading a group of students in Karachi called NSF. I had been in the executive committee group, all I need to say that these were the splintering element that instigated me to work as a leader from a young period of time.

BM. What's the most significant project you've been involved with in your career?
Ans: Basically I am a textile professional and worked a lot for the promotion of this field. It would be surprising to know that I did much in plastic industry and have been consultant for different associations. I conferred different proposals to government for the advancement and promotion of industry, which were accepted whole-heartedly by the government.

BM. What goals you had envisioned for the establishment of your commercial set up, and to what extent you have succeeded in achieving those goals?
Ans: It's a surprising factor that once I have satisfied or failed with whatever I have done, and then I seek another one. I, to fulfill my satisfaction, imported polyester twist machinery in order to install a Japan level textile industry. I installed Jackie Textile mills and also formed an import company in the name of Jackie Traders. In a nutshell, when main power becomes fail I look for another industry.

BM. Global economy has certainly pushed the development agenda of the third world countries to the back seat. What new approaches your organization has introduced to overcome this constraint in Pakistan.
Ans: We have exceeded problems than resources in our country. Global economic recession didn't hurt Pakistan as compare to European countries, it's reason no bank Pakistan flopped. We are financially strong but there is no proper system to utilize the resources. What astonishes us is that Balochistan is full of minerals that have not been discovered so far owing to Govt policies. We haven't paid attention on non-traditional things due to lack of technical set of minds. As I see it, that there should be no delay in the continuation of work either there is dictatorship or people elected government. Indian government has helped its investments while maintaining collision with foreign branded manufacturers in order to have roilality of 10 years. There should a perception of branded in Pakistan and our Govt should reinforce the investors to make collision with foreign investors. The non-traditional, import substitute and small industry ought to be focused in this country to have better employment and excellent promotion in industry sector. Let me add here one more thing, if want to meet our export target than we should enhance and honour utility to the people.

BM. What are the roots causes of declining impression in the international markets, for the Pakistani products; can we ascribe it to adulteration, unoriginal products, low quality or quantity, and how these malpractices can be prevailed over?
Ans: It's because of two reasons; firstly the international media has demoralized the Pakistan's image and secondly our ambassadors are not playing decisive role to build up the image of the country apart having TADA. Our ambassadors should be a real representative of our products in international exhibitions and international market. I am of the firm views that crime takes place in countries but there is a complete and authentic system and criminal are brought into the fold of punishment, so here ought to be like that. Additionally our commercial consulates do nothing except gaining TADA but there some who work for the promotion of industry, as a result there work is not supposed to be sufficient.

BM. Whether Pakistan's economy is advancing ahead or retreating backside, if it is retreating, how it can be stopped, and what steps could be taken ahead?
Ans: Our economy is, definitely, is retreating back for the last one and half years. It was expected better as the people elected Govt will take over the charge the country economic growth will get better. But that nothing happened. I, think, moving to friends of Pakistan can be a positive change in making country the hub of economic activities.

BM. Would you kindly shed the light on your future plans, in strengthening and advancing your business?
Ans: I will, definitely, be among those who have future plans, but the period we are passing through is very unexpected and things can't be decided at the eleventh hour. It is hoped that progress is possible by 2010. From this platform we solve the problems of business community and bring into the notice of government.

BM. What message would you like to communicate to the businessmen, educated and professionals of our country?
Ans: Firstly I would feel pleasure to say that our youth should make progress bit by bit; their progress should be free of aggressiveness. Secondly business community work honestly, showing full cooperation with each other and commitment once you have done, should not be broken at any cost.