RCCI, ICCI Unite to Boost Economic Growth in Twin Cities

News Desk 

Rawalpindi: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industries (RCCI) and Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ICCI) have reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating on resolving the issues faced by the business community in the twin cities. 

Both chambers have agreed to establish a joint working team and organize joint events aimed at promoting industrial and commercial activities for the region’s benefit.

Additionally, it was decided that the two chambers would convene twice a month to address the concerns of the business community.

President Saqib Rafiq of RCCI, during a delegation visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), highlighted various challenges confronting the business community, including those related to industrial zones, expo centers, alternative dispute resolution, as well as issues with government bodies such as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), and Capital Development Authority (CDA).

The importance of maintaining close contact with district administration and government officials was also emphasized.President Rafiq stressed the necessity of establishing a Business Facilitation Center (BFC) in Islamabad, similar to the one in Rawalpindi, to bolster business and industrial activities.

He advocated for the establishment of expo centers and industrial zones, particularly around the expanding cities, to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and alleviate traffic congestion by creating economic zones along the ring road.

Rafiq also proposed promoting commercial and business activities modeled after the Central Business District (CBD).

Furthermore, he underscored the need for long-term, strategic policies spanning three to five years to ensure sustainable growth and project completion. 

Rafiq pointed out that many disputes stem from boundary demarcation issues between the twin cities, impacting various infrastructure projects such as road construction, water and gas pipelines, and matters concerning law enforcement and other essential facilities.

President of Islamabad Chamber, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, affirmed the collective resolution to address the issues confronting the business community of the twin cities.

The delegation, which included Senior Vice President Muhammad Hamza Sarosh, Vice President Faisal Shahzad, and Member of the Executive Committee Ikram Ur Rehman, was also present during this commitment.

Notable attendees at the meeting comprised ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, former ICCI President Zafar Bakhtawari, Khalid Chaudhry, Sheikh Jamshed, and former President of the Islamabad Women’s Chamber, Ms. Naima Ansari, among others.