The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has a rich history that spans over 150 years, starting as the Kurrachee Chamber of Commerce in 1860. Founded by seven British trading concerns, the Chamber aimed to promote commercial enterprise in the city and province. Early on, it established communication with chambers in Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay to cooperate on matters of commercial interest.
Under the leadership of D. McIver, the Chamber positioned itself as a guardian of Karachi's commerce rather than a subsidiary of Bombay business. Over the years, the membership grew, and in 1889, the Chamber was renamed The Karachi Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber played a significant role in the development of infrastructure and trade. Its members were nominated to the Karachi Port Trust 's Board of Trustees, reflecting their involvement in the city's harbor development. The Chamber also established sub-committees to address various concerns such as local affairs, port trust and shipping, finance and currency, canals and irrigation, and railways.
International affiliations were developed, and the Chamber attended the Congress of the Chamber of Commerce of the Empire. It welcomed the formation of new chambers in Punjab and Chittagong, recognizing the value of organized commercial opinion in India.
In 1924, the foundation stone of a new Chamber building was laid, and the construction was completed in 1927. The building, an impressive structure with classical architectural features, served as the Chamber's headquarters. Throughout the 1920s, the Chamber actively participated in commissions and committees of inquiry on taxation, banking, justice, labor, commodities, and manufacturing.
In 1947, the Chamber witnessed important milestones, including the election of the first Muslim member to its Managing Committee and gaining representation on the Board of the Karachi Grammar School. The Chamber continued to work towards the development of key infrastructure, including the airport, harbor, railway, and roads. It also played a crucial role in promoting industrial development in Karachi, supporting the establishment of the first industrial zone in S.I.T.E. (Sindh Industrial Trading Estate).
With the creation of Pakistan, the Chamber entered a new chapter in its hist ory, well prepared to contribute to the country's economic growth. Over the years, the Chamber and its member organizations have played a significant role in the economic, infrastructural, and social development of Karachi , the province, and the nation.
“I would like to call your particular attention to the keen desire of the Government of Pakistan to associate individual initiative and private enterprise at every stage of industrialization. The number of industries Government have reserved for management by themselves consists of Arms and Munitions of War, Generation of Hydel Power and Manufacture of Railway Wagons, Telephones, Telegraph and Wireless Apparatus. All other industrial activity is left open to private enterprise which would be given every facility a Government can give for the establishment and development of industry.”
The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) organized the 4th Women Empowerment Awards on February 3, 2022. The awards were held largely online and only winners and jury members were invited in person due to rising concerns of COVID.
OICCI organized a round table to launch the whitepaper titled, “Synergizing the Climate Ambition: A Blueprint for Achieving NDCs through Private Sector Engagement in Pakistan”.
The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OICCI) organized the ‘Pakistan Climate Conference (PCC) 2022’ on March 16, 2022. The OICCI is the representative body of international investors operating in Pakistan, aiming to leverage the expertise of OICCI members for the benefit of the investors and the country.
OICCI Vice-President, Ghias Khan and CE/Secretary General, OICCI, M. Abdul Aleem, held an interactive session with the senior media representatives in Islamabad, to unveil the salient features of ‘OICCI Energy Recommendations 2021’, on November 11, 2021.
The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) arranged an event in Marriott Hotel Karachi on March 8, 2020 as part of its celebrations for International Women’s Day and launched the ‘Heroes Leadership Lounge’ that will provide mentoring to women in Pakistan’s workforce.
The ‘Heroes Leadership Lounge’ is a mentoring platform that will provide online resources and active counselling for women as a means of empowering them in the work environment.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Delegation, under the aegis of Canada Pakistan Business Council (CPBC), visited OICCI on March 11, 2019, to get the Chambers perspective of ICT related business opportunities in Pakistan and to learn about Digital transformation taking place in Pakistan, with a view to explore synergies between Canada & Pakistan for growth of business between the two countries.
The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) organized the 2nd OICCI Women Empowerment Awards on December 10, 2019 at a local hotel in Karachi. The
(OICCI) unveiled its maiden and unique manual on the “Evolution of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in Pakistan: OICCI Perspective” at a ceremony chaired by Mr Mujeeb Khan, Chairman of the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPOP).
Overseas Investors Chambers of Commerce (OICCI) organized a CSR exhibition in Islamabad titled, “Impactful Journey: OICCI CSR Exhibition”. The purpose of the event was to showcase the impact of CSR activities of OICCI member companies across the country and their alignment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Under the OICCI Women initiative, the chamber also launched a CEO Forum on July 5, 2018 where CEOs and HR heads of selected companies were invited to share their best practices and policies that help gender inclusiveness and diversity at the workplace.
The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) unveiled the “OICCI Recommendations on National Program for Digital Transformation” report at a media launch with senior journalists in Islamabad on December 20, 2018. The OICCI member companies have shared their international experience and expertise in presenting a concise analysis of the current digital landscape and recommended forward looking specific action plan to fast track Pakistan to a respectable level of digital transformation.
KIMIHIDE ANDO, Past President of OICCI and currently MC member was conferred the prestigious award of Sitara-E-Pakistan, by the Government of Pakistan in the March 23, 2018 Republic Day’s Honors list, for his great services in support of the country and to the cause of Business and Foreign Direct Investment in Pakistan.
The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) arranged an event in Marriott Hotel Karachi on March 8, 2018 as part of its celebrations for International Women’s Day and launched the ‘Heroes Leadership Lounge’ that will provide mentoring to women in Pakistan’s workforce.
The ‘Heroes Leadership Lounge’ is a mentoring platform that will provide online resources and active counselling for women as a means of empowering them in the work environment.
The OICCI has had a long list of esteemed past members who have played a significant role in Pakistan's business history. These members have contributed to the development of various sectors, including finance, energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing
The OICCI has had a long list of esteemed past members who have played a significant role in Pakistan's business history. These members have contributed to the development of various sectors, including finance, energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing
150th anniversary.
Oicci represents the single largest group of tax payers.
OICCI investment survey report on CSR and the OICCI’s budget paper.
upgraded version of the chamber’s website was launched.
The OICCI subcommittee initiated the production of a report highlighting the contribution of member companies to facilitate the transfer of best practices from companies to all corporate entities in Pakistan.
The new logo of OICCI was adopted.
the chamber published an in-depth Perception Survey Report based on responses from member companies providing an insight into the business and economic climate of Pakistan as seen by overseas investors.
A meeting with the MC was held in Islamabad and Lahore in response to their complaint of not being sufficiently included in the activities of the Chamber. Quarterly lunch meetings with CEOs were also introduced in the same year.
Achievement: exemptions received from the ministry of finance on 3 provisions of the Trade Organization Rules (TOR) for a period of 3 years.
Unjela Kaleem Siddiqi was appointed as the first Woman secretary General of the Chamber.
Policy and research , PR and Publications were added to to enhance the quality of existing publications like the Annual Report, Quarterly Newsletter and Member’s Directory.
The chamber initiated dialogue with Competition Commission of Pakistan and held workshops for MCs.
Mr Henri Lone, Senior Representative of the IMF visited the chamber to discuss issues on budget, tax and other sectors.
A delegation from the World Bank also visited the chamber.
President of Pakistan, Pervaiz Musharraf was the chief guest at the annual dinneraccompanied by the governor and chief minister of Sindh. He praised the chamber to be the sourse of economic development in Pakistan. After 20 years, the office was revamped.
Members contributed Rs 5.6 billion to relief and reconstruction efforts for the earthquake victims in the norther areas. The first ever OICCI newsletter was published.
He chamber’s website was inaugurated in May by Mr, Nisar Memon , the federal Information Minister and a former president of the Chamber.
Representatives of the chamber and the American Business school held a meeting with the prime minister and the chief minister of Sindh in which the Chamber’s president singled out five areas of greatest concern.
changes in the chamber’s articles regarding financial conditions for membership. The annual subscription fee, Officeholders’ terms and the Presidents term were revised.
President of the chamber wrote a letter to Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif drawing attention to the crisis of the pharmaceutical industry and giving suggestions to improve business confidence.
Due to the increased volume of work for the chamber’s secretary, the position was upgraded to Secretary General. Zahid Zaheer was the first secretary general.
Prime minister Benazir Bhutto met members of the chamber. She acknowledged the chamber’s positive contributions and addressed the points discussed. The chamber was invited to include the measures to deal with smuggling as part of an ongoing dialogue with the Government.
Prime minister Junejo addressed the chamber.
The OICCI has had a long list of esteemed past members who have played a significant role in Pakistan's business history. These members have contributed to the development of various sectors, including finance, energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing. Their legacy and accomplishments continue to inspire current and future generations of business leaders in Pakistan.
2024 till September
2023-2024 (till 30th April)
2022-2023
2021-2022
2020-2021 from July onward
2020 till June
2019-2020
2018-2019 from July onward
2018 till June
2017-2018
2016-2017
2015-2016
2014-2015
2013-2014
2012 from October onward
2012 till September
2011-2012
2010-2011
2009-2010 from April onward
2009 till April
2008-2009
2007-2008
2006 - 2007
2005 - 2006
2004 - 2005
2002 - 2003
2003-2004
2001 - 2002
2000 - 2001
1999 - 2000
1998 - 99
1997 - 98
1996 - 97
1995 - 96
1994 - 95
1992
1992-1994
1987 - 89
1985-87, 1989 - 92
1983 - 85
1980
1980 – 1983
1978 -80
1976-78
1975-76
1974-75
1971-74
1970-71
1966-67
1965-66, 1967-68
1964-65
1963-64
1962-63
1960-62
1960
1957-58
1956-57
1954-55
1953-54, 1955-56, 1958-60
1951
1950-51
1947
1947-48
1946-47, 1948-50, 1951-53
1945-46
1944
1942-1943
1940-42, 1944-45
1939-40, 1943-44
1933, 1936-38
1933-34, 1938-39
1933, 1936-38
1931-32, 1934-36
1929-30
1922-25, 1926-28
1914-78
1900 -03
1890 - 95
1919 – 1920
1904 - 1922
1900-03
1899 - 1900
1895 - 99
1886 - 87
1877 - 78, 1882 - 84
1870 - 72, 1876 - 77, 1880 - 82, 1884 - 86
1864 - 66
1860 - 61
2007 – 2010
2006 – 2007
2005 – 2006
1991 – 2005
1978 – 90
1966 – 78
1964 – 65
1959 – 64
1958 – 59
1953 – 58
1944 – 53
1943
1932 – 42
1921 – 31
1895 – 1908
1894 – 95
1891 – 93
1890 – 91
1887 – 90
1808 – 20
1882 – 87
1882
1881 – 82
1870 – 81
1868 - 69
1860 – 64