Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry

04/01/2025

Poor Law and Order in Tarnol Inflicts Heavy Toll on Local Businesses: Abdul Rehman Siddiqui A large delegation from Tarnol, led by Malik Shabbir Awan, the founder President of the Talagang Chamber of Commerce and Industry visited ICCI.
Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, Acting President of ICCI said that the business community is committed to contributing to the country's economic development and prosperity through the growth of businesses. However, obstacles to creating a business-friendly environment must be addressed by those in positions of authority. The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) remains dedicated to overcoming these challenges. He recognized Tarnol as an important business hub within the capital and emphasized that collective efforts could dismantle barriers, create opportunities, and lead the community toward greater prosperity.
Malik Shabbir Awan, the Talagang Chamber of Commerce and Industry's founding President, acknowledged ICCI's efforts to foster an environment that is enabling entrepreneurship. He stressed that collaboration within the business community could lead to transformative change. ICCI's Acting Senior Vice President, Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, committed to working closely with stakeholders to address key challenges and promote economic growth in the region.
The event was also attended by several ICCI members, including Executive Members Rohail Anwar Butt, Malik Mohsin Khalid, Zulqurnain Abbasi, as well as Tanzeel Awan, Malik Fayyaz Haider, Akhtar Tanoli, and others.

03/01/2025

📢 ICCI & SECP Host Awareness Session on 'eZfile' Portal to Simplify Company Registration 💼

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) organized an awareness session at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on ezfile and the Companies Regulations 2024. This session aimed to inform the business community about the newly introduced filing system and regulations, which provide a unified regulatory framework for company registration and post-incorporation compliance.
Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, Acting President of ICCI, commended the SECP for taking proactive steps to modernize and simplify business operations. He expressed confidence that the session would benefit the business community and facilitate smoother business operations. He further suggested that the SECP consider setting up a dedicated desk at the ICCI, similar to other service desks like NADRA, IESCO, Police, FTO, and TDAP, for greater convenience and support for businesses.
Saeedullah Khan, the Registrar at SECP, said that the session underscores SECP's commitment to making business operations more efficient and transparent while providing the tools necessary for businesses to comply effectively with the new regulations.
Special Advisor to the ICCI President, Naeem Siddiqui, moderated the session and raised important challenges, such as limited digital literacy, restricted access to technology, and concerns about regulatory scrutiny. He suggested that SECP conduct more sessions to educate businesses and address these concerns.
The session was also attended by senior ICCI members, including Acting Senior Vice President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, Acting Vice President Mohammad Waseem, Executive Members Naeed Satti, Atiqur Rehman, , Ishaq Sial, Zulqurnain Abbasi, Chaudhry Mohammad Irfan, and Malik Mohsin Khalid, all of whom contributed to the success of the event.

03/01/2025

🌍 Top 10 Largest Economies in Africa (GDP PPP) 🤑

Africa is rising, and here’s a look at the continent's largest economies based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)! This ranking considers the relative cost of living and inflation rates, showcasing the incredible economic potential of African nations.

💸 1. Egypt 🇪🇬: $1.898 trillion
💸 2. Nigeria 🇳🇬: $1.444 trillion
💸 3. South Africa 🇿🇦: $1.026 trillion
💸 4. Algeria 🇩🇿: $769 billion
💸 5. Ethiopia 🇪🇹: $432 billion
💸 6. Morocco 🇲🇦: $409 billion
💸 7. Kenya 🇰🇪: $366 billion
💸 8. Angola 🇦🇴: $271 billion
💸 9. Tanzania 🇹🇿: $244 billion
💸 10. Ghana 🇬🇭: $241 billion

🌟 With steady growth, these nations are redefining Africa's global presence. Which of these economies surprises you the most? Comment below!

📊 Data Source: International Monetary Fund (IMF)

02/01/2025

New article of Ghulam Murtaza Secretary General ICCI.

Ghulam Murtaza , Government of Pakistan has introduced an ambitious five-year economic framework titled “Urran Pakistan”, designed to stabilize and diversify the national economy through clearly defined, quantifiable objectives to be achieved by 2028. While some critics may regard the targets as...

02/01/2025

At the advent of the New Year, Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, Acting President ICCI has emphasized the government to ensure the involvement of all the stakeholders by sharing economic policies with them before their finalization as to tailor them as practicable and viable in the best interest of the country.

He also highlighted the urgent need to address a range of economic challenges, including rising public debt, unemployment, the closure of industries and businesses, unrealistic tax policies, and the insufficient infrastructure and facilities for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Industrial Zones.
He has also emphasized the importance of eliminating bureaucratic red tape, which hinders business growth and creates barriers to ease of doing business in the country.

02/01/2025

🤝 Strengthening Business Ties
Muhammad Awais Satti, President Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industries (ICSTSI), and Qazi Illyas, Chairman Founder Group - ICSTSI, visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) and met with Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, Acting President – ICCI & Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, Acting Senior Vice President -ICCI
The meeting focused on fostering closer collaboration between ICCI and ICSTSI to advance the interests of the business community and promote collective growth.
Together, we can achieve more for our business sector! 🌟

01/01/2025

🚀 Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) fully supports Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visionary "Uraan Pakistan" initiative!

Acting President Abdul Rehman Siddiqui praised the five-year national economic plan, focusing on the 5Es (exports, e-Pakistan, environment, energy, equity, and empowerment) to steer Pakistan towards sustainable growth. 🌱 He also backed the privatization of loss-making State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) as a key strategy for reducing financial losses and improving public sector efficiency.

Siddiqui highlighted critical issues like rising public debt, unemployment, and the closure of industries, stressing the need for urgent reforms in tax policies and infrastructure for Special Economic Zones (SEZs). He urged business leaders, especially Chambers of Commerce, to play an active role in shaping viable economic policies.
Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry Acting Senior Vice President expressed optimism that all stakeholders, including government institutions and the private sector, would work together in earnest to achieve the objectives of the Uraan Pakistan initiative, contributing to the economic stability and prosperity of the country.

The ICCI is committed to supporting Pakistan’s business community and bridging the gap between government and businesses to ensure the success of Uraan Pakistan.

Together, we can achieve economic stability and prosperity!

01/01/2025

Faisal Muzzamal, Convener MoU (Implementation & Health Care), has signed an MoU with Smile Dental Care Islamabad to provide exclusive benefits to ICCI's valued members. The signing ceremony was graced by Abdul Rehman Siddiqui (Acting President ICCI), Zulqarnain Abbasi (Executive Member ICCI), and other distinguished members.

✨ Key Benefit:
📌 30% Discount on dental health services!

👥 Who Can Avail?
All ICCI members and their dependent employees can enjoy this exclusive discount by presenting their valid ICCI membership card.

Take care of your smile while enjoying this amazing benefit! 😁

01/01/2025

A twenty-member delegation of probationary officers from the Civil Services Academy’s 52nd Common Training Programme (CTP) visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) to gain insight into the chamber's operations. The visit aimed to familiarize these officers with the workings of a key business institution and enhance their understanding of its role in fostering economic growth and facilitating ease of doing business.
Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, acting President of ICCI emphasized the important role they would play as future government officials. He acknowledged that these officers would be instrumental in shaping the country’s development and improving public governance in the future
The acting President also highlighted the ICCI’s regional and global outreach efforts. He mentioned the Chamber’s initiatives to strengthen business relationships with foreign countries by organizing business summits, exchanging delegations, and liaising with international chambers of commerce. He also pointed to the ICCI’s promotion of tourism in the northern areas of Pakistan, through tourism summits involving numerous ambassadors, which help highlight the region’s potential and attract international attention.
Senior Special Advisor to the ICCI President, Naeem Siddiqui, conducted the session with great skill, focusing on the need for business-friendly policies. He pointed out the negative impact of policies that are detrimental to the business environment and called for the development of regulations that support business growth and innovation.
Acting Senior Vice President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry expressed his confidence that the probationary officers had gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the business community. He was optimistic that the officers would apply their newfound knowledge in their future roles, contributing to developing a business-friendly environment in their respective departments.
The event was attended by numerous ICCI members, including acting Vice President Chaudhry Mohammad Waseem, Executive Members Zulqurnain Abbasi, Malik Mohsin Khalid, Malik Abdul Aziz, Mohammad Imran Minhas, Rohail Anwar Butt, Ishaq Sial, Umair Abdul Nasir, and Ali Nawaz.

31/12/2024

🌟✨ Happy New Year 2025! ✨🌟

🎉 ICCI extends its heartfelt greetings to everyone for a year filled with prosperity, success, and growth.

🤝 Together, let's continue to build a stronger and brighter future for our businesses and communities. Here's to new opportunities and achievements in 2025!

31/12/2024

💬 Advocacy for Economic Stability
📊 ICCI stands as the voice of businesses, working tirelessly to promote sustainable economic growth and ensure a thriving business environment for all.

🤝 Through active engagement with stakeholders, ICCI is addressing critical challenges, fostering public-private collaboration, and advocating policies that drive prosperity.

💡 Join us in building a future of economic resilience!

31/12/2024

🌟 ICCI Backs Charter of Economy for Sustainable Growth 🌟

Acting President ICCI, Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, has endorsed Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb's call for consensus on key economic issues, including a transformative "charter of economy", to ensure long-term stability.

🏛️ Siddiqui emphasized the importance of dialogue among political stakeholders to defuse tensions and pave the way for economic recovery. He applauded the proposal to involve the private sector in reviving loss-making public institutions and suggested privatizing or closing unsalvageable ones.

📉 Key Priorities Highlighted:

Achieving single-digit inflation by 2025
Reducing electricity costs
Broadening the tax base without burdening taxpayers
Strengthening public-private collaboration
🚨 The ICCI reiterated its commitment to easing business challenges, curbing closures, and addressing rising unemployment and brain drain.

🤝 Vice President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry reaffirmed ICCI's dedication to fostering a thriving economic environment for growth and stability

30/12/2024

🌟 Chinese Delegation Visits ICCI for B2B Collaboration! 🌟

A delegation of Chinese investors from Xingjian Province, led by the Mayor of Yecheng and the Foreign Office Bureau of Kashgar, visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI). The focus? Strengthening B2B relationships in renewable energy, infrastructure development, and the iron & steel industry.

🤝 Acting President ICCI, Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, warmly welcomed the guests and highlighted local exportable products like marble, steel, and pharmaceuticals. He emphasized the need for infrastructure development to enhance Pakistan's global competitiveness and create employment opportunities.

✨ The Chinese delegation, including key figures from the Belt and Road initiative, showed keen interest in investment opportunities, particularly in the mining and mineral sectors. Both sides agreed to stay in contact, exchange visits, and foster mutually beneficial partnerships.

💼 Notable Attendees:

Chinese Delegates: Wang Xiangbing, Liu Jiading, Jiang Xinhua, Zhu Chuanbin, Zhu Houhao
ICCI Representatives: Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, Chaudhry Mohammad Waseem, Fasihullah Khan, Shahid Zafar
Together, let’s build a stronger future for Pakistan-China economic ties! 🇵🇰🤝🇨🇳

30/12/2024

Ghulam Murtaza, Secretary General of ICCI, highlights Azerbaijan's vital role as a strategic hub in the CIS region in his latest article. With its rich energy resources, robust infrastructure, and growing ties with Pakistan, Azerbaijan stands at the crossroads of East and West, offering immense opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment. Strengthening bilateral ties can pave the way for economic prosperity and regional connectivity.

30/12/2024

https://pakobserver.net/digital-transformation-imperatives/

  THE Information Technology (IT) sector in Pakistan stands as a beacon of economic potential, poised to redefine the nation’s…

28/12/2024

🤝 ICCI Stands in Solidarity with Azerbaijan

A delegation from the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) visited the Azerbaijan Embassy to express heartfelt condolences over the tragic crash of an Azerbaijani airliner.

ICCI Acting President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, along with Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Siddiqui and other members, shared prayers for the departed souls and strength for the grieving families.

In the condolence book, ICCI conveyed its deepest sympathies, reaffirming Pakistan’s strong fraternal bond with Azerbaijan, rooted in shared religious and cultural values.

Ambassador Khazar Farhadov appreciated the visit as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with Azerbaijan during this difficult time. 🙏

27/12/2024

An MoU was signed between ICCI and Paragon Cloth Centre & Paragon Textiles Company to bring exclusive benefits to ICCI's esteemed members.

✨ Key Highlights:
👉 25% Discount on textile materials/fabrics at Paragon Textiles Company
(Perfect for businesses like hotels, restaurants, gyms, and guest houses!)
👉 15% Discount on clothing and stitching at Paragon Cloth Centre

👥 Who Can Avail?
All ICCI members and their dependent employees can enjoy these discounts by presenting their valid ICCI membership card.

27/12/2024

Dr. Anis, Vice Chancellor of Riphah International University, visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) for a thought-provoking discussion on strengthening academia-industry linkages.

The meeting brought together prominent ICCI members, industry leaders, and Riphah faculty to explore ways to bridge the gap between education and the corporate sector. Key focus areas included research partnerships, internships, and innovative programs to enhance graduate employability and foster national growth.

Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, Acting President ICCI, and Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, Acting Senior Vice President ICCI, emphasized the importance of collaboration for driving innovation and competitiveness in the market.

Together, ICCI and Riphah University are paving the way for meaningful progress through knowledge-driven initiatives.