Erik Schnotala, US Economic Advisor for the Pakistan Desk, Shelley Saxen, Political/Economic Section Chief – American Consul General, Leah Severino, Economic Unit head – American Consul General, and Fahd Zaidi, Economic Specialist – American Consul General, met with the OICCI leadership on October 27, 2023. The meeting revolved around gaining OICCI’s perspective about doing business in Pakistan and investment opportunities. They were welcomed by M. Abdul Aleem, CE/Secretary General – OICCI, Ahmed Zahid Zaheer – CEO Chevron, Hasham Babar – CFO GSK, and Kashif Shafi, Executive Director – OICCI.

Abdul Aleem shared and detailed presentation which included OICCI’s brief profile and current management committee introductions, 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 American delegate was briefed about the results of OICCI’s latest surveys including Key Challenges and Opportunities for Foreign Investors, Remittance Survey, and Security Survey.

Erik Schnotala sought OICCI’s position on investment and business conditions in Pakistan. He 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. He appreciated the private sector’s keen readiness for reforms in order to improve the economic situation and shared insights on how sectors like agriculture, environment economy, and green alliances can help improve the situation in Pakistan.

Concluding the session, Ahmed Zahid Zaheer highlighted that during this global economic turmoil, Pakistan has been more severely hit as global inflation coupled with rapid devaluation, has resulted in a tumultuous economic situation. He also highlighted how recent reforms would help in increasing flow of FDI in Pakistan and the role of OICCI in helping build a platform for this purpose.