Cut in electricity cost can boost exports: Atif Ikram

President FPCCI Atif Ikram Sheikh said that if electricity prices in Pakistan are brought at par with other countries in the region, exports can increase significantly and the economy can be strengthened. He was addressing the dinner hosted by Chairman Azerbaijan–Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ahsan Bakhtawari in honor of CEJ.
He stated that the government’s 10-year industrial policy includes measures such as reducing energy tariffs and lowering interest rates. All economic indicators are positive, and the country is moving in the right direction. He also praised the role of the media, saying it has always supported the business community. Ahsan Bakhtawari commended the media’s consistent cooperation in bringing key issues to light and expressed hope that this partnership would continue in the future.
Bakhtawari noted that Pakistan’s economic condition has improved significantly compared to two years ago, crediting collaborative efforts between the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), the business community, and media outlets. He emphasized that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir took decisive steps in response to the concerns raised jointly by these stakeholders.
Looking ahead, Bakhtawari predicted a more business-friendly environment and urged media outlets to conduct research on the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He stressed the need to strengthen trade ties and adopt unconventional strategies to stabilize the economy.
He highlighted the support Pakistan received from Azerbaijan, China, and Turkey during difficult times and called for deeper trade relations with these nations. Bakhtawari announced plans to visit Azerbaijan next month for high-level meetings aimed at expanding bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
He also urged the Council of Economic and Energy Journalists and FPCCI to take proactive steps in enhancing trade and diplomatic relations with countries that stood by Pakistan during economic hardships. Tourism, he said, is a major industry that requires serious government attention to unlock its full potential and attract foreign investment.
Bakhtawari praised the media’s role in raising awareness about high interest rates and issues related to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), calling its support “unforgettable.” He advocated for further reductions in electricity tariffs to boost exports, especially in the textile sector, and called for incentives in solar and wind energy development.
He described the media as the “eyes and ears” of FPCCI and the business community, and emphasized the need to formally recognize the role of the Council of Economic and Energy Journalists within FPCCI to advance national economic goals. Afzal Butt lauded Atif Ikram Sheikh as an exemplary FPCCI president and credited Ahsan and Zafar Bakhtawari for consistently raising their voices for economic reform in collaboration with the media.
He called for a national Charter of Economy to ensure long-term stability and build investor confidence.Other speakers, including Azhar Jatoi, Raja Kamran, Kashif Munir, and Masood Siddiqui, echoed these sentiments.
They emphasized the importance of strengthening trade relations, increasing exports, supporting the textile sector, promoting renewable energy, and developing the tourism industry. The consensus was clear: with continued cooperation between media and the business community, Pakistan can achieve sustainable growth and prosperity.