ISLAMABAD: The commerce ministry has asked owners of the chain stores and Tier-1 retailers to come up with a workable strategy to support business activity in a bid to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, Commerce Adviser Abdul Razak Dawood said on Wednesday.

Representatives of the Chainstore Owners Association of Pakistan (CAP) raised their demands in a virtual meeting with the adviser. Participants included Asad Shafi of M/s Sheikhupura Textile Mills, SM. Nabeel of M/s Din Industries, Asfandyar Farrukh of M/s Urban Brands; Rana Tariq Mehboob of M/s Rana Trading Co. (Royal Tag) and Wasif Sikandar Butt of M/s Mari B-Designs.

An official statement issued after the meeting said the adviser assured all-out support to the sector and asked the association to come up with a workable strategy and share their input on the State Bank of Pakistan’s schemes for loans to businesses. It also discussed the possibility for inclusion of the retail sector in the government relief package in respect of utilities.

The wholesale and retail category is one of the largest domestic commerce sectors and employs some 9.21 million people, constituting 14.92 per cent of the total labour force.

Members of the chain stores informed Razak about the organised retail sector and highlighted the problems and challenges being faced by them amidst COVID-19.

Mr Dawood stated that the meeting was being held in connection with the role that the chain store owners could play in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19, and to discuss the future roadmap for the development of the sector.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2020