Islamabad needs world-class Expo Centre, model industrial area: Zikria Zia

ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia has called for the establishment of a world-class Expo Centre in Islamabad to showcase Pakistan’s products, export potential and investment opportunities before the international community, saying that the federal capital should be developed into a modern and vibrant business hub.
In an interview here on Saturday, he said the ICCI would take the lead in working with the government and all relevant stakeholders to transform Islamabad into a model business-friendly city in real terms. Referring to his election with an overwhelming mandate, he said ‘Heavy is the head that wears the crown’. The honour and confidence reposed in him by the business community also carried a great responsibility, he added and said that it was his earnest desire to translate this trust into practical achievements and deliver meaningful results for the community. “My foremost objective is to deliver for the trade and business community in a meaningful and result-oriented manner and to further strengthen the voice of ICCI,” he said.
Zikria Zia said Islamabad urgently needed a new and modern industrial area, as the existing industrial estate had reached its capacity and could no longer adequately cater to the requirements of expanding businesses. He expressed confidence that the government and concerned institutions would extend their fullest cooperation for establishing a model industrial area equipped with modern infrastructure, utilities and facilities, which could help promote industrialization, investment and employment in the capital.
Speaking about the ease of doing business, the ICCI President said the Chamber would put forward practical proposals before the government to create a genuinely conducive environment for entrepreneurship and investment. He stressed that no government department should be allowed to disgrace, threaten, intimidate or unnecessarily harass members of the business community. “The business community must be treated as a partner in economic development. Respect, facilitation and predictability are essential if we want businesses to invest, expand and create jobs,” he maintained.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s immense potential in international tourism, particularly the Northern Areas, saying that the country possessed world-class scenic destinations capable of attracting tourists from across the globe. He proposed that Pakistan should actively engage the embassies of friendly and tourism-generating countries and encourage them to promote the Northern Areas among their citizens. “We need to showcase the real beauty, culture, hospitality and tourism potential of Pakistan to the world and attract international visitors to our Northern Areas,” he said.
Islamabad should not remain merely the political capital of Pakistan but should also emerge as a leading centre for business, exhibitions, investment and international trade, he concluded.