KARACHI: The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is set to enhance direct engagement with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) to facilitate investment and address the concerns of the business community, assured Colonel Abdullah Khan Sherani, Joint Secretary (Military) and Head of SIFC's Provincial Office in Sindh.

According to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Colonel Sherani made these remarks during his visit to KCCI, where he highlighted the importance of establishing a direct working relationship with the Chamber's newly elected leadership. He noted that his recent posting to Sindh as SIFC's permanent provincial representative had allowed him to begin engaging with key stakeholders and understand the business and investment landscape in the province.

Colonel Sherani emphasized that his priority in Karachi, as directed by Director General SIFC Asad ur Rehman Cheema, was to engage with KCCI and other trade bodies across Sindh. He acknowledged the longstanding concerns of the business community, noting that while these issues had been raised at high levels, their resolution was still pending. He stressed the need for a systematic approach to address the most pressing concerns by coordinating with relevant authorities.

Chairman Businessmen Group Zubair Motiwala urged SIFC to deliver tangible results and address the structural challenges affecting Pakistan's industrial competitiveness and investment climate. He highlighted the disconnection between policy discussions and implementation, stressing the need for practical measures to reduce business costs and restore investor confidence.

President KCCI Talat Mahmood called for urgent measures to tackle Karachi's infrastructure and law and order issues, which are deterring investment. He emphasized the significance of Karachi's economy and the need for an enabling environment for domestic investors. Despite high expectations from SIFC, Mahmood regretted the limited impact of initiatives and the lack of infrastructure benefits expected from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The SIFC's engagement with KCCI is seen as a step towards addressing these concerns and fostering a conducive environment for investment, crucial for Pakistan's economic growth and stability.