Special Interview to newly elected President of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
BY: MAWAIZ KHAN
BM. How do cope with the responsibilities being a president of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry?
Ans: As I mentioned earlier that I am involved, as you know better, with business community since a long time so I utterly know the business issues, problems and business activities and four my selection as a member of managing committee made me fully conversant to cope my responsibilities. Apart this I have very actively been involved with Govt departments, Govt agencies, FBR, custom authorities, import & export department and so many others with rich experiences, involvement and sincerity. Now at this stage, I don't see any problem for handling this respectable post.

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 to day 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 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 60,000 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. 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 intend to constitute the first digital develop in Pakistan which will be commencing in the first week of November here this building at 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 doing our best to launch the latest technology to avail the business community and members as well with plenty of suggestions and information.

BM. Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry leads the whole Chambers in Pakistan.  What are the Challenges for you being a president of the largest Chamber of Karachi?
Ans: As far as challenges are concerned that Pakistan is passing through a very condition of economic crisis, being the head of Karachi Chamber of Commerce, which is the largest Chamber in Pakistan, I have lot of responsibilities to do. In true manners, just to raise that issue we had brainstorming session in Pearl Continental and deteriorated on current situation continuous cost of production, cost of in business and the fast depleting foundation reserve due to the pressure on Pakistan currency. We invited, first time in the history of Karachi Chamber of Commerce, all the leading business people from sectors including leather, textile, auto, banking, capital marketing beside them we tripped on line with President of Lahore Chamber, Islamabad Chamber, Queta Chamber as well as NWFP Chamber, as well the President of Federal Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Ex-President of Saarc Chamber of Commerce, they all really appreciated the stand taken by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce on the current economic scenario. We all together protested especially on the current high rate of electricity, which can be further cause to close down the industry.

BM. What kind of role the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry is playing for the industrial affairs?
Ans: As I told you that the industry is passing through a very severe crisis because of the continuously rocketing cost of either it be electricity or Gas. The President of Pakistan has actually invited us, as he in China when would be in Pakistan, we would see him, put in front the demands of Karachi Chamber and more discuss about fulfilling the suggestions of the business community.

BM. Please comments on the aims & Objectives of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry?
Ans: The thing is that the Karachi Chamber of Commerce is not in the business or pre-Business. We facilitate and help the business community to achieve their targets and additionally we try to help out their problems and issues. We have a very huge responsibility on our shoulders because of long involvement in business politic in this respect. I being a President of one of the largest Chamber of Commerce I would more try my best to solve the issues and problems facing business community.

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.