BM. Would you like to kindly highlight the Karachi Chamber's role being the premier Chamber of the Country?
Ans: 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 made up of businesses, small and large, as well as professional firms, associates and non-profit organizations. The members work collectively to accomplish that which none could undertake alone.

BM. How do you see the economic and commercial policies executed by the Govt in regard to the development of trade?
Ans: Well, as far as the Govt Policies are concerned, I am very happy that today we have the democratic elected Govt and we elected and brought the Govt to the power. I think it's a sign of good news that they are taking much interest and coming forward to meet the requirements facing business community but certainly we have some reservations as well. As everyone know that the whole world is passing through a very severe situation of economic crisis including Pakistan. In this connection we feel that Govt has to give more time and attentions to the suggestion of business community and especially to Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry because we are the largest chamber in Pakistan. Karachi Chamber is a premier Chamber having over 16,000 members. So it's the responsibility of democratic elected Govt to pay urgent attentions to suggestions given by the business community to make its track clear to cope with the world.

BM. What is your concern over increasing of power crisis and power tariffs in the country?
Ans: Well, that the Power Crisis and increasing in tariffs have already created chaos for general public, trade and industry. You know the country is facing severest power crisis of its history and in such unpleasant circumstances, the approval of summary to further increase power tariffs to 6 percent will aggravate the problem. I am of the firm views that Business Community fear that Export Targets fixed in the recently announced trade policy would not be achieved if present trend of rapidly increasing utility tariffs and power crisis continues. Exporters materialize their orders in advance and unprecedented increase in utility tariffs incur them losses in the form of increased cost of manufacturing. The entire business community now demands the government to improve the efficiency of power distribution companies and do not increase the utility tariffs further for the larger interests of the economy and citizens of the country.

BM. In other countries, they research terms for almost every field. However, it's a dilemma that we pay least attentions towards research before setting any objectives. Does Karachi Chamber and Commerce avail this service?
Ans: It is a well-fascinated fact that I am a strong believer of research and development. We have already a research and development department here in ours. But we are going to establish a very latest research and development department here in Karachi Chamber of Commerce. We have already constituted the first digital developing program in Pakistan, which is benefiting the members of Karachi Chamber. The reason behind that a lot of business community and members of the Karachi Chamber visit here and they demand for data and other information. So we deeply concerned with it and did our best to launch the latest technology to avail the business community and members as well with plenty of suggestions and information.

BM. What is your vision and direction in future?
Ans: Our main visions and direction is to eliminate the current economic crisis. Supposedly, we think that this country has huge potential and its people have huge potential so we need not to worry. As far as the currency is concerned people are involved in speculation and we will be getting stronger day by day and good things will be waiting for us in coming time.

BM. Would you like to convey any message through our magazine for members of Karachi Chamber of Commerce?
Ans: Yes I wolud, this will be my first formality to invite more and more people especially the business community (which is not the part of KCCI) to become the members of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry. I can strongly believe that this the platform from where can solve their issues and problems honestly and sincerely.