ISLAMABAD : The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s (FPCCI) capital office has criticised the Board of Investment (BOI) for downplaying the business community and not giving importance to issues faced by investors.

FPCCI Coordinator Mirza Abdul Rehman said on Friday that the board has to facilitate the business community including chambers of commerce and associations in collaboration with FPCCI. In a statement, Mr Rehman expressed disappointment while referring to a recent meeting headed by the secretary.

He said that out of 10 speakers, eight were officers of the board whereas only two speakers were present from the business community.

Says the meeting with secretary was very disappointing as they were not encouraged to express their point of view

He said the meeting was very disappointing for the business community as they were not encouraged to express their point of view during the meeting.

He said there was a general lack of trust between investors and the relevant authorities, owing to the situation after the Covid-19 lockdown.

“It is a key reason we do not see much investments in the industry or any business except for the real- estate sector,” he said, adding the government has to correct their position in this regard and facilitate the business community and improve the climate of investments in the country on a long term basis.

He said that no presentation was allowed from any chamber or association of the region as they were neglectedand their grievances were not addressed, even during the currently critical situation of the economy.

He said that the board had to invite prominent members from chambers of the Rawalpindi Division; this could only have been made possible through coordination with the FPCCI, which is an apex body of the business community, however, the BOI did not take the federation on board in this regard.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2020