Business issues to be taken up with relevant institutions: ICCI chief

ISLAMABAD: Newly elected President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia has said that business issues would be systematically identified, prioritized and taken up with the relevant government institutions for timely resolution.

Addressing an orientation meeting of the newly elected Executive Committee, aimed at familiarizing members with the Chamber’s organizational structure, responsibilities, working procedures and key priorities for the new term. He said the orientation was an important first step towards ensuring effective coordination, institutional discipline and collective ownership among the newly elected leadership.

He said that the ICCI would pursue a proactive, result-oriented and inclusive advocacy agenda, with immediate focus on improving the ease of doing business, resolving taxation and regulatory issues, reducing energy costs, addressing infrastructure-related challenges, facilitating SMEs and promoting trade, exports and investment.

Senior Vice President Mohammad Ashfaq Hussain Chatah said the new leadership was committed to making ICCI a more responsive and effective platform for the business community. He emphasized the need for close coordination among Executive Committee members and Chamber committees, regular consultation with different business sectors and a practical approach to resolving issues faced by traders and entrepreneurs.

Vice President Mohammad Waqas Khan said the Chamber would focus on strengthening engagement with the business community, particularly SMEs, young entrepreneurs and emerging sectors. He emphasized that Executive Committee members should maintain direct interaction with their respective business communities, identify their concerns and bring forward practical recommendations. He said ICCI would also continue exploring opportunities for trade promotion, investment and business linkages at the domestic and international levels.

The Executive Committee members agreed to strengthen the working mechanism of ICCI committees by ensuring regular meetings, clearly defined responsibilities and improved coordination with the Chamber’s leadership and Secretariat. The Executive Committee members also put questions and shared their views and agreed to enhance ICCI’s engagement with government departments, diplomatic missions, foreign chambers, trade organizations and international business partners to create new opportunities for trade, investment and business-to-business linkages.

Secretary General ICCI Ghulam Murtaza briefed the participants on the Chamber’s organizational structure, ongoing activities, administrative procedures and the working mechanism of the Executive Committee. He explained the responsibilities of different committees and emphasized effective coordination, proper documentation and timely implementation of decisions taken by the Chamber’s leadership.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment by the newly elected Executive Committee members to work with unity, discipline and a strong sense of responsibility to make ICCI a more effective, responsive and results-driven institution.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026