Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood, Advisor to PM for Commerce and Investment, visited the OICCI on March 19, 2021. He was accompanied by the Chief Executive of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Mr. Arif Ahmad Khan. They were welcomed by President OICCI, Mr. Irfan Siddiqui and CE/Secretary General, Mr. M. Abdul Aleem.

The prime objective of the session was for Mr Dawood to personally engage and encourage key OICCI members to participate in Expo 2020 Dubai being held from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Mr. Razak Dawood gave an overview to the members on the Pakistan pavilion in EXPO 2020. He shared that Pakistan pavilion was being constructed beautifully for EXPO 2020, capturing and portraying the key distinguishing features of the country, including the folk lore and textiles. He mentioned that the aim of the government was to collect $ 10 million in total, out of which $ 7 million was collected and he shared the list of the organizations which included companies belonging to the financial sector, textile, automobile and construction. The list included few of OICCI members also. On this note, Mr. Dawood extended his gratitude for the corporate sector and assured the members that the funds collected from them shall be administered through a Trust. Mr. Razak Dawood also offered an option to potential donors to make direct payments for the cost of advertising or other services instead of making contribution in cash to the Trust.

Following the discussion regarding EXPO 2020, Mr. Razak Dawood opened the floor for the discussion on members’ issues. Mr. M. Abdul Aleem appreciated the Tariff Rationalization Policy of the Government but pointed out that the GOP has not eliminated the element of surprise in policymaking which remains a matter of concern for foreign investors as it creates uncertainty in the overall business environment. In this regard, GOP was requested to create predictable, transparent and consistent business environment and also finalize the Investment Law and Industrial Policy of Pakistan, in order to bring clarity among the investors. Mr. Dawood was also informed about the need for updated IPR laws and stringent IPR enforcement.

In conclusion, Mr. Razak Dawood thanked the OICCI and its members for their support to the GOP initiatives and requested all participants to contribute funds for EXPO 2020. It was agreed that Mr. Dawood would soon visit the OICCI again to interact closely with members and resolve their issues.”