Beat Ineichen, Senior Consultant South Asia – Switzerland Global Enterprise, Suhail El Obeid, Senior Consultant Middle East – Switzerland Global Enterprise and Fletcher P. Albert, Business Development Manager – Swiss Business Council visited OICCI on May 11, 2023, to have a meeting with Chamber’s leadership and discuss current economic and business conditions in Pakistan. Rehan Sheikh, Vice President OICCI and CEO Standard Chartered Bank, M. Abdul Aleem, CE/Secretary General – OICCI, and Kashif Shafi, Executive Director – OICCI welcomed the guests.

Abdul Aleem shared and detailed presentation which included OICCI’s brief profile, a snapshot of the members contribution to the economy, the role of the Chamber in facilitating FDI in the country, and research studies done by the chamber. Discussing the current economic challenges, the German delegate was briefed about the current challenges, key pain points and opportunities identified by OICCI members. To overcome current challenges and pain points, OICCI has, in interactions with ministries and government departments suggest opting for predictable, consistent and transparent Policy framework and its implementation, broadening the tax base, Progressive Industrial and Investment policy, and making Pakistan visible at international forums along with continuous engagement with OICCI members.

Beat Ineichen appreciated OICCI’s efforts in sharing a holistic and objective view of the business environment in Pakistan with their in-depth analysis of the current economic situation.

Concluding the session, Rehan Shaikh shared that Pakistan is an attractive market for the foreign investors who take long term view. Pakistan enjoys one of the largest youth populations and growing middle class and the nation is very resilient and has potential to come out of the current challenges.