SPECIAL REPORT. RAWALPINDI.AUG.31
Osman Shaukat, President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), emphasized the need for decentralization of administrative functions to achieve better governance and development. Speaking at a luncheon for the Council of Economic and Energy Journalists (CEEJ), Shaukat cited the example of Karachi’s development under former mayors Mustafa Kamal and Nematullah Khan, highlighting the effectiveness of local control.
Shaukat stressed that decentralizing administrative functions would lead to better outcomes and more effective governance.
He revealed ongoing visa-on-arrival negotiations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, indicating a positive trend in relations. Shaukat recommended granting Most Favored Nation (MFN) status to Bangladesh to strengthen economic ties.
Shaukat confirmed the chamber’s ongoing engagement with the government to reduce business costs. He highlighted the adoption of several budget proposals and progress on key issues.
Khursheed Barlas, Founder Chairman of the Pakistan Association of Exporters and Importers (PAEI), proposed considering Bangladesh as a “fifth province” of Pakistan due to shared culture and trade. He announced that a 200-member Pakistani trade delegation would participate in the “Made in Pakistan” exhibition and business conference in Bangladesh.
– Barlas emphasized the importance of regional cooperation for sustainable economic growth, particularly within SAARC. He also announced plans for a business and investment conference in Karachi, featuring government and private sector participants.
The event highlighted the potential for strengthened economic ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as the need for effective governance and regional cooperation to drive economic growth.
