LAHORE: S. M. Tanveer, the respected leader of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Patron-in-Chief of the United Business Group (UBG), has raised serious alarms regarding a recently introduced bill in the National Assembly. This legislation aims to amend the Trade Organization Rules (TORs) of 2013, a move that Tanveer believes could have far-reaching negative consequences for the country’s trade infrastructure. He cautioned that if the bill passes, it may result in the closure of numerous trade representative bodies that have long served as vital platforms for business advocacy across Pakistan.
In a detailed conversation with Khalid Tawab, the Regional Chairman of UBG Sindh, Tanveer expressed the widespread unease gripping the business community. He pointed out that the commercial sector is already grappling with a fragile environment, burdened by both domestic challenges and international trade restrictions. Against this backdrop, any legal changes that threaten the existence of trade organizations could further destabilize the market and undermine business confidence nationwide.
Tanveer underscored the crucial role that Chambers of Commerce and Industry play as the final bastion for entrepreneurs and business owners to collectively voice their concerns and advocate for policies that promote economic growth. He warned that the proposed amendments, which seek to restrict trade bodies’ jurisdiction to municipal city limits, would effectively exclude key economic players such as industrial estates, small and medium enterprise (SME) clusters located in tehsil areas, and rural businesses focused on exports. This exclusion would leave many sectors without proper representation, weakening their ability to influence policy decisions that directly affect their operations.
Highlighting the broader implications, Tanveer stressed that revising the TORs 2013 could cause widespread discouragement among trade organizations, particularly those representing women entrepreneurs and SMEs. These groups, which rely heavily on district-level chambers for support and advocacy, would face significant setbacks if the bill were enacted. The proposed legislation threatens to dismantle an institutional framework painstakingly developed over many years, which has been instrumental in nurturing district economies and fostering inclusive business growth.
He elaborated on the importance of district chambers, emphasizing their role in shaping local economic landscapes by promoting business clusters and supporting grassroots entrepreneurship. This approach aligns with global best practices, where localized trade bodies contribute to sustainable economic development by addressing region-specific challenges and opportunities. Tanveer lamented that the bill’s proponents appear intent on reversing this progressive model, seemingly driven by narrow interests that could undermine Pakistan’s broader economic objectives.
In his concluding remarks, the Patron-in-Chief of UBG made a heartfelt appeal to lawmakers to reconsider the proposed amendments and reject the bill. He urged parliamentarians to recognize the indispensable role district chambers play as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. Eliminating these bodies, he warned, would disproportionately harm SMEs, which often lack the resources and influence to be adequately represented at the larger city chamber level. Such a move could stifle entrepreneurship, reduce economic diversity, and ultimately weaken the country’s trade ecosystem.
