KARACHI: A high-level visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation met with the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) delegation on Thursday to discuss Pakistan’s economic trajectory and the perspectives of foreign investors operating in the country.
While the OICCI, during the meeting, commended the country’s recent strides toward macroeconomic stability, it issued a strong call for a more competitive tax and tariff regime to safeguard investor confidence and bolster international competitiveness.
The OICCI convened a dialogue between a visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation, led by Iva Petrova and Mahir Binici, and CEOs of leading member multinational companies.
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OICCI President Yousaf Hussain acknowledged the progress achieved in macroeconomic stabilisation. He mentioned that fiscal consolidation is strengthening, primary balance discipline is improving, the external account has stabilised with reserve buffers rebuilding, inflation is moderating, and the financial sector remains resilient. The recent improvement in Pakistan’s credit ratings reflects enhanced fiscal discipline and renewed international credibility under the ongoing reform programme, he added.
While recogniing these gains, Hussain emphasised that the priority now is to transition from stabilisation to a phased yet sustained export-led growth path. Translating macroeconomic stability into higher productivity, employment, and investment requires a shift from fragmented measures to a centrally coordinated, technocrat-supported and well-sequenced medium-term reform programme under a comprehensive National Economic Plan.
He said such a plan should integrate fiscal, trade, industrial, energy, and human capital policies with clear milestones, transparent monitoring, and deeper coordination between the federation and provinces to achieve national economic priorities.
Secretary General OICCI M. Abdul Aleem noted that Pakistan’s strong geo-economic positioning offers significant potential that must be unlocked through greater policy coherence,predictability, and investment-focused improvements in the regulatory framework. He stressed the need for stronger incentivisation of export-led industrialisation to attract sustained long-term investment inflows.
“Pakistan’s taxation framework continues to face structural challenges, particularly a narrow tax base and the disproportionate burden on the documented and compliant sector, including the salaried class,” said Aleem.
“To enhance competitiveness and restore investor confidence, there is a need for a rationalised and competitive tax and import tariff regime, supported by a strong and consultative tax policy function and a clear medium-term policy direction. Equally important is avoiding retrospective taxation, ensuring timely clearance of pending tax refunds, simplifying compliance procedures, and strengthening documentation and enforcement across the economy,” he added.
The OICCI reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with policymakers and international partners to support reforms that sustain stability and promote long-term investment in Pakistan.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026