The Businessmen Panel (BMP) on Tuesday claimed that powers of the President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) have been snatched in the annual general meeting (AGM), which is condemnable. Spokesperson for the BMP, Ahmad Jawad said that in an unprecedented move, the leadership of the United Business Group (UBG) has influenced the President Office and appointed Mazhar Nasir, a former SVP, as Advisor to President FPCCI because he is relative of Secretary General UBG, Zubair Tufail.
Jawad said when somebody appoints advisor to president FPCCI, it means either the president is incompetent or the UBG officials want to make President Office dysfunctional. That's why at present importance of FPCCI is on declining side and the government is least interested to take Federation into confidence on any policy decision.
The spokesperson also said that Businessmen Panel retained its vote bank and secured around 44% votes in the recently held election of the FPCCI while the UBG got 56% votes which implies business community is depressed with the performance of the Federation and reposes confidence in the Businessmen Panel, although the United Business Group is at the helm of the affairs of the Federation.
He also said that Businessmen Panel believes in equality and freedom of expression for all its supporters and voters, and recent election result showed that Businessmen Panel gained gradually.
On the coming rotation regarding the FPCCI elections, Jawad said this year Punjab will get its turn and the BMP will announce its presidential candidate timely so that the business community may get ample time to start due liaising with him, followed by the candidate for the slot of senior vice president as well.
Similarly, the panel urged the Commerce Ministry to launch workable Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) to boost country exports and in this regard BMP will share its proposal with the ministry, as the Commerce Division has sought fresh proposal for enhancing export competitiveness from all chambers and associations.
He said business community is looking towards the government's concrete steps to ensure key macro indicators of the economy.
"We want more information and input on the STPF with an aim to double the country's exports to $46 billion in next five years," he added.
"It's time that the government should devise an aggressive export policy that gives more relaxation and friendly environment to exporters to enhance exports in all sectors," Jawad added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019

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