Saqib Rafiq, President RCCI for Promotion of Export Industry of Pakistan

There is an uncertainty for the industrialists and for the manufacturers. The importer is not sure that on which date he is going to import the products, the exporter is not confirmed that he will be able to get the things cleared timely for the export. Political polarization is at the maximum which is creating hurdles for the investment. For the foreign investors’ confidence in the Pakistani market, we have to address these issues and we have to create an investment friendly environment.

To a question about country’s economic situation last year and in 2023, Saqib Rafiq replied:-

I am very much hopeful for the future of Pakistan, for the people of Pakistan. This country has huge potential, its people are super genius but it lacks direction from the government side. Youth of this country is looking forward for some innovative things to be done but there is no support for these youth.

As far as the comparison of last year and this year is concerned, I think the economic conditions are not as good as one year ago and there are certain things which the government has to address immediately especially the existing price of dollar, the import,export imbalance and the policy for the industrialization and a policy for the local manufacturing, the government has to address these issues immediately.

Talking about RCCI’s activities for the economic uplift and betterment of the country he said:

Firstly, Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce is organizing All Pakistan Chambers Presidents Conference on January 16th, 17th and 18th .

And all Chambers Presidents are coming where we will be sitting together under one roof for three days to address the economic issues of Pakistan.

Secondly, I am taking a delegation to Saudi Arabia next week and more than thirty business people will be going with me. We will visit different cities and different Chambers to enhance the bilateral trade between Pakistan and the Saudi Arabia and after that I will be leading a delegation to Hong Kong for gem and jewelry sector and then we will visit the United States for having meetings with major importers and exporters over there.

All these activities are designed to help Pakistan in achieving good foreign exchange reserves and to promote the export industry of Pakistan.

To a question about the existing uncertainty in the country, he went on to say:-

People are not very happy they are like a little disturbed. There is an uncertainty for the industrialists, for the manufacturers, the importer is not confirmed on which date he is going to import the products, the exporter is not confirmed that he will be able to get the things cleared for the export purposes.

The end user is facing difficulties in getting the raw material, so all these things are creating uncertainty. The political polarization is at the maximum which is creating hurdles for the investment. For foreign investors confidence in the Pakistani market, we collectively have to address these issues and we have to create an environment where the people feel it as investor friendly.

When asked about his message for the Government as well as the people, he said:-

It will be my clear message for the political leadership that please sit down on a table and resolve your issues among yourself as Pakistan is going through a very tough time, we need to have a good leadership, we need to have all the political parties on one page.

And for the people of Pakistan and the Government of Pakistan there is another message to adopt simplicity, to conserve energy as much as possible, go for the alternate renewable energy policies. Rely mostly on Pakistani products and discourage the imported products.

And on the other side I would request the government to cut its expenses and come out of the luxury things and make foreign reserves available for the import of medicines and other medical equipment and basic essentials so that we can have good living conditions in Pakistan.