Rawalpindi:  A three-day business conference on CPEC Central Asia (16-18 November) organized by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) in Gwadar ends on a high note. The moot was organized to explore trade and investment opportunities in Gwadar and to cement trade ties and linkages with Central Asian countries. Governor Punjab Ch Muhammad Sarwar who was the chief guest on the occasion, in his address assured full support to the business community and lauded RCCI’e efforts in promoting trade activities in the region and provide platforms to explore new destinations for possible investment and trade ties with central Asian countries. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is undoubtedly a game changer project. The benefits of CPEC are not limited to any city or province, but its dividends are for the whole region, he added. With the completion of this project, Balochistan will become a hub of economic and trade activities and thus the dream of becoming a new Pakistan very soon will be realized, he said.

Earlier, RCCI President in his address said that the Rawalpindi Chamber understands that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a game changer for the entire region, especially for Pakistan, and will pave the way for enhancing linkages with Central Asian countries.

During the three-day conference representatives from Gwadar Development Authority, Gwadar Port Authority made presentations on key topics and also on-the-spot visits of ongoing development projects. He said that the chamber has always taken the lead in many matters. We want the business community to play its full role. Ambassador of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazkhistan also attended the moot.

Senior Vice President Osman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz A Malik, former President Zahid Latif Khan, Chairman Gwadar Conference Muhammad Badar Haroon, members of the executive committee and members of the chamber were also present on the occasion.

Rawalpindi: The Malaysian High Commissioner Ikram Bin Muhammad Ibrahim paid a visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here on Tuesday. RCCI President Mohammad Nasir Mirza, Senior Vice President Osman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz A  Malik, members of the executive committee and officials from the High-Commission and members of the RCCI were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the business community, the High Commissioner lauded RCCI efforts in promoting trade activities in the region.  High Commissioner Ikram Bin Muhammad Ibrahim also appreciated RCCI for its recent tree plantation drive and assured full support from the embassy in this regard.

He said, there is a need to intensify efforts for improving two-way trade between Pakistan and Malaysia that would bring far better results for their economies.

Both countries have good potential to enhance cooperation in many fields including auto-mobile, construction, pharmaceutical, halal food, tourism, telecommunication and renewable energy. Malaysia famous auto brand Proton will make its prelaunch in December 2020 in Karachi, he added.

We should encourage frequent exchange of trade delegations to explore all untapped areas of potential cooperation and added that Malaysia has relaxed its visa policy amid Covid-19.

He assured full cooperation and assistance for RCCI upcoming events including Rawal International Expo 2021 and other events.

He informed that Pakistan and Malaysia were the first two Islamic countries that had signed FTA long time ago, but the bilateral trade was still confined to few products. He said there was an urgent need to focus on diversification of trade for improving trade figure.

In his welcome address, President RCCI Mohammad Nasir Mirza said that Pak-Malaysia are enjoying cordial relations and stressed that both countries should focus on new products to improve two-way trade. He also emphasized on further cementing the trade ties and exploring new sectors. He also shared an update on RCCI ongoing activities and future programs. He informed that RCCI is going to organize Gwadar Business Conference focusing Central Asian Republics (CARs), Build 2020 Construction Trade Fair and Rawal Expo in near future.

Mohammad Nasir Mirza said that exchange of trade delegations is direly needed to boost the bilateral trade ties and volume. However, as Corona hit economies all over the world so we should not stop here and increase virtual platforms for improved networking and Ecommerce to support businesses.

 He said many Pakistani products including rice, wheat, mangoes, halal food, seafood, meat products, cutlery and sports goods, spices, handicrafts, light engineering goods, hospital and surgical equipment, pharmaceuticals and gems and jewelry could find good market in Malaysia. Later High Commissioner planted a sapling in the chamber premises to mark RCCI Tree Plantation Drive 2020. Ends PRO RCCI

Rawalpindi:  A three-day business conference on CPEC Central Asia organized by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) will be held in Gwadar from November 16 to 18 aiming to explore trade and investment opportunities in Gwadar and to cement trade ties and linkages with Central Asian countries.

This was stated by RCCI President Mohammad Nasir Mirza while addressing a press conference at chamber house here on Friday.

He said that top government officials including Chief Minister, Governor Balochistan, Ministers, senior government officials, ambassadors and business and industrial delegates will attend the three day conference.

The Rawalpindi Chamber understands that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)  is a game changer for the entire region, especially for Pakistan, and will pave the way for enhancing linkages with Central Asian countries, he added.

The three-day conference will include presentations on key topics and on-the-spot visits of ongoing development projects, he said. He said that the chamber has always taken the lead in many matters. We want the business community to play its full role. Nasir Mirza added that the chamber is also planning to hold a construction Trade Fair in Rawalpindi next month titled Build 2020.

He said that the construction sector can be developed as more tha 40 allied industries are associated with this sector. Increasing employment opportunities will reduce unemployment in the country, he further added. The Build 2020 Trade Fair will be held from December 18 to 20.

Group Leader Sohail Altaf said that RCCI was in touch with the concerned ministries, especially the Foreign Ministry, regarding the convening of the conference so that the NOC could be issued to the ambassadors soon. He said that PIA chairman Arshad Malik who had visited the chamber a few days back had also assured full cooperation.

Senior Vice President Osman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz A Malik, former Presidents Zahid Latif Khan, Saboor Malik, Chairman Gwadar Conference Muhammad Badar Haroon, Chairman Build 2020 Trade Fair Sardar Tanveer Sarwar, members of the executive committee and members of the chamber were also present on the occasion.

Rawalpindi: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Chief Executive Air Marshal retired Arshad Malik paid a visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here on Wednesday. The CEO was accompanied by Chief Commercial Officer Ali Tahir, Regional Coordinator Sher Ali, and Passenger Sales Manager Waqas Malik. On this occasion President RCCI Nasir Mirza, Group. Leader Sohail Altaf, Senior Vice President Osman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz A Malik, former presidents, members of the executive committee and chamber members were also present.

CEO Arshad Malik said that the financial restructuring of the national airline, new fleet of aircrafts, training of staff and new destinations for flights are being given priority. In 2019, PIA went into gross profit first time in eight years. The most important challenge at the moment is the old debt of four hundred and fifty billion, for which a financial plan is being worked out. The PIA is facing serious challenges due to the Corona epidemic and licensing issue

It is the combined responsibility of all entities, including the business community, to come forward and play their due role in rescuing the national airline from crisis. The Rawalpindi Chamber’s efforts to promote trade activities and improve Pakistan’s image abroad are commendable. PIA will also provide discounts for the convenience of Rawalpindi Chamber members. The Chamber will also be provided other incentives, including special discounts and Corporate Package for Gwadar Business Conference and exhibitions in Afghanistan.

On the occasion, Chamber President Nasir Mirza said that PIA is our national airline and also our national identity all over the world. The business community will play its part in overcoming this challenge and assured full support in this regard. He said that the chamber organizes exhibitions and business conferences abroad and inside Pakistan. We always prefer to travel by national airline only. He also gave a briefing to CEO Arshad Malik on the ongoing activities of the Chamber. Ends PR RCCI

Rawalpindi: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) in collaboration with Dean of Diplomatic Corps has kicked off its Plantation Drive under My Green Pakistan at Gulistan e Fatima Park Islamabad here on Thursday. The event was attended by Federal Minster for Narcotics Control Muhammad Azam Sawati, Senator Faisal Javed Khan,   Dean of Diplomatic Corps H.E. Mr. Atadjan Movlamov and various ambassadors and high commissioners along with top executives of RCCI.

Addressing the ceremony, Atadjan Movlamov said that diplomatic community is ready to support PM Imran Khan Clean and Green initiative and already participating in different activities in fight against climate change. The Ambassador said that climate change has badly affected different countries and added that his embassy will support RCCI efforts in promoting advocacy drive on tree plantation and rain water harvesting.

Federal Minster for Narcotics Control Muhammad Azam Sawati lauded RCCI efforts for the national cause and said that Pakistan is among top ten countries where glaciers are melting with fast speed and causing climate change. The climate change is directly linked with economy of any country and we must all act now. We should promote these activities and work as a team to achieve one goal, i.e. Clean and Green Pakistan.

RCCI President Nasir Mirza apprised the participants on current and future activities of the chamber. He said that RCCI now has become the first Green Chamber of Pakistan by installing rain water harvesting and recharge system and solar panels at chamber building. He added that prime objective of this event was to promote green culture among the community.

Group leader RCCI Sohail Altaf said that its our collective responsibility to secure the future of our generations by promoting tree plantation and green initiatives.

Later chief guest along with ambassadors planted trees in the park to mark the Green Pakistan Drive under the auspices of RCCI.

Usman Shoukat CEO Bio-labs who was the sponsor of the event said that Bio-Labs under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Project has renovated Gulistan-e-Fatima Park, one of the oldest public recreational spots in the heart of Islamabad Former Presidents RCCI, Senior Vice President Osman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz A Malik, Chairman Regional Trade Khurshid Berlas, executive committee and a large number of civil society attended the ceremony.

Rawalpindi:  The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pakistan South Africa Trade Federation(PSATF) aiming to boost trade, increase exports and networking between Pakistan and South Africa.

The document was signed by Chamber President Muhammad Nasir Mirza and Pakistan South Africa PSATF Chairman Muhammad Rafiq Memon.

The signing ceremony was held on a virtual platform while Senior Vice President Osman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz A Malik, members of the executive committee, Chairman Regional Trade Khursheed Barlas and other chamber members were also present on the occasion while TDAP Director Zulfiqar Langa, PSATF’s Saleem Shakur and Zulfiqar Abbasi participated through virtual platform.

President Nasir Mirza said that the Chamber has always strived to enhance trade relations with African countries. Under the Africa Trade Forum and the government’s Look Africa policy, our focus was to explore new markets. The MoU will strengthen the Chamber’s Charter, he added.

Trade and Investment Attache Humaira Israr said that all kinds of assistance was being provided to exporters to promote trade. The diplomatic mission is working hard to remove obstacles related to banking channels and NOCs. She welcomed Chamber’s suggestions and efforts to promote trade and improve networking.

PSATF Chairman Muhammad Rafique Memon said that the Chamber of Commerce and the Federation would work together for the exchange of delegations and organizing exhibitions.

Deputy Director TDAP Zulfiqar Langa welcomed the MoU and said that his organization has been working more actively than before. New marketing methods are being adopted so that Pakistani products can be better introduced in South Africa.

Rawalpindi: State Minister for Climate Change Zartaj Gul paid a visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here on Monday. During her visit she was given briefing on rain water harvesting system. She lauded the RCCI efforts in taking lead in making RCCI first green chamber of Pakistan by adopting rainwater harvesting and recharges system along with installation of Solar Panels for energy conservation.

The other chambers and organizations should follow the same, she added. She assured full support to RCCI for its key initiatives for promoting regional trade and advocating on clean and green Pakistan.

She said that Clean Pakistan goal can only be achieved through public private partnership and chamber of commerce can play a vital role in bridging the gap here.. 

Later in her address with traders community she said that Pakistan is one of the water stressed country where ground water table has dangerously dropped to lower level. Plastic bag ban was another initiative of her ministry which needs full support of masses and mainly business community.

Pollution is one of the main issues that PTI led federal government aims to tackle through initiatives like the Clean and Green Pakistan. The PTI government has launched many projects including 10 Billion Trees Tsunami project on patron of the Billion Trees Project of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and expanded it across Pakistan.

Earlier President RCCI Mohammad Nasir Mirza in his welcome address said that traders are ready to join Government for its efforts to address the climate change through various steps including tree plantation, ban on plastic bags and use of renewable energy. He said the chamber was implementing the prime minister’s vision of a green Pakistan. Rainwater, through the newly-installed system, can be collected as it has the capacity to recharge 3,000 gallons of groundwater per hour.

He also gave a short briefing on RCCI current activities and ongoing programs.

Group Leader Sohail Altaf said that there is a need to link green initiative with incentives and suggested that tax rebates shall be introduced for adopting rain water harvesting.

Senior Vice President Osman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz A Malik, former president Raja Amer Iqbal, members of the executive committee, women members and RCCI members attended the meeting.  Ends PR RCCI

October 20, 2020, Yemeni Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Mohammed Motahar Alashabi visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday.

Group leader and former president Sohail Altaf, Senior Vice President Osman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz A Malik, members of the executive committee and chamber members were also present on the occasion. Talking to the President of the Chamber Nasir Mirza, the Ambassador of Yemen, Muhammad Motahar said that Yemen attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and there are deep friendly relations between the two countries.

The envoy said mutual trade opportunities can be explored in the tourism and pharmaceutical sectors. He said that this was his first visit to the chamber. He appreciated the role of the Rawalpindi Chamber in promoting trade and business activities. He also accepted the invitation to participate in the Winter Tree Planting drive organized by the Rawalpindi Chamber next week. On this occasion, the President of the Chamber Nasir Mirza said that the Chamber is ready for any kind of cooperation for the exchange of delegations and holding of bilateral business conferences. Bilateral trade can be promoted in the fields of tourism, education, agriculture, IT and pharmaceuticals. Relations between the two countries need to be enhanced at the level of the Chamber of Commerce. Yemeni investors take advantage of investment opportunities in Pakistan. Ends PRO RCCI.

Rawalpindi: A delegation led by Nasir Mirza, President, Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), called on Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan and discussed ways to enhance bilateral trade relations at the Chamber of Commerce level, increase bilateral trade and exchange of delegations.

The delegation included Vice President Shahraiz A Malik, Chairman Regional Trade Khurshid Barlas and Executive Member Fahad Barlas.

Talking to the delegation, Ambassador Atdjan Mulamov said that Turkmenistan and Pakistan have deep and friendly relations. The Ambassador said that Turkmenistan desired to increase trade ties with Pakistan. Bilateral trade volume was very low and needed to be increased, he added. Pakistan could take advantage of trade opportunities to increase cooperation in agricultural machinery and pharmaceuticals, he said. The envoy lauded RCCI efforts in promoting regional trade.

RCCI President Nasir Mirza briefed the Ambassador on the ongoing activities of the Rawalpindi Chamber and said that the Central Asian countries are big markets and there is a need to explore for joint ventures.

He said there was also a need for exploring new trade avenues, business opportunities between Pakistan and Central Asia and Turkmenistan is one of the key countries.

Pakistani traders should explore Turkmenistan for trade opportunities and added that promoting regional trade could determine Pakistan’s economic direction. Bilateral trade in services, banking, tourism, halal food and agriculture can be enhanced. He also invited the Ambassador to the Chamber.