Tariq Haleem Stresses Policy Continuity for Industry and Trade
KARACHI (October 12, 2026): Former Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and former Chairman of the Pakistan Ship Agents Association, Tariq Haleem, has stressed the importance of policy continuity, effective business representation and cooperation between the government and private sector to promote industry and trade in Pakistan.
Tariq Haleem said the expected election of S.M. Tanveer as FPCCI President in December 2026 would be an important development for the country’s business community. He expressed the expectation that Tanveer’s leadership would improve the Federation’s standards, strengthen its credibility and effectiveness, and help communicate the concerns of industrialists, traders, exporters and investors to government authorities more effectively.
He said a stronger and more active FPCCI could play an important role in addressing business-related challenges and representing the interests of the private sector at the government level.
Tariq Haleem Backs S.M. Tanveer’s Expected Leadership
According to Tariq Haleem, S.M. Tanveer has extensive experience in industry and trade and understands the difficulties faced by businesses as well as the wider challenges confronting Pakistan’s economy.
He also referred to Tanveer’s stance against Independent Power Producers (IPPs), saying that his voice on the issue had produced positive results. Haleem expressed hope that Tanveer’s anticipated leadership would help make FPCCI a more active, empowered and result-oriented institution.
He said the Federation should develop effective strategies to address the concerns of the business community and support greater economic activity. In his view, stronger representation would help ensure that issues affecting industrialists, traders, exporters and investors receive appropriate attention during economic policymaking.
Government Urged to Recognise FPCCI’s Role
Tariq Haleem said the government must recognise FPCCI’s representative status, importance and the legitimate rights of the business community.
The Federation represents chambers of commerce, industrial associations and trade organisations across Pakistan. Haleem maintained that its proposals and recommendations should be taken seriously when economic decisions are formulated at the government level.
He emphasised that consultation with the business community should be an essential part of developing industry and trade policies. According to him, industrialists and traders should be taken into confidence during the policymaking process so that their concerns and practical requirements receive due consideration.
He further stressed that the contribution of business organisations should go beyond formal consultations. Their recommendations should be considered meaningfully when decisions are made that affect industrial activity, trade and investment.
Pakistan’s Economy Faces Major Business Challenges
Haleem observed that Pakistan’s economy faces several major challenges, including the need to accelerate industrial growth, increase exports, attract investment, ensure affordable energy, improve the tax system and reduce the cost of doing business.
He said these issues could be addressed sustainably only through cooperation between the government and the private sector, supported by mutual trust and a coordinated strategy.
According to Haleem, businesses require adequate facilities and a supportive operating environment to increase production and contribute to export targets. Without appropriate support for industry and trade, achieving the desired growth in production and exports would remain difficult.
He emphasised that policymakers should take the practical needs of businesses into account when developing economic strategies. Closer coordination between government authorities and private enterprises, he said, would be important in addressing the challenges facing the country’s economy.
Policy Continuity Essential to Attract Investment
Tariq Haleem stressed that policy continuity, transparency in the tax system, competitive energy prices and an improved business environment are essential for attracting investment.
He said frequent policy changes and economic uncertainty create difficulties for industrialists and traders who need to make long-term business decisions. A stable and predictable policy environment would help businesses plan their activities, consider establishing new industries and increase their productive capacity.
He also highlighted the importance of creating conditions that encourage businesses to expand operations and generate additional employment opportunities.
Haleem maintained that the government should focus on providing a more supportive environment for industry rather than exposing businesses to repeated changes in policies. In his view, consistency and transparency are important considerations for businesses assessing investment opportunities and planning future growth.
FPCCI Representation Must Reflect Business Concerns
Haleem expressed the expectation that S.M. Tanveer’s anticipated election in December 2026 would help ensure that the concerns of the business community are communicated more effectively to government authorities.
He said the private sector should receive appropriate representation in policymaking and that business organisations’ proposals should be considered beyond the stage of formal consultation.
He also expressed hope that, under Tanveer’s leadership, FPCCI would play an effective role in protecting the interests of industry and trade, increasing exports, encouraging new investment and restoring confidence within the business community.
For Haleem, an effective Federation would serve as an important link between the government and businesses by conveying industry concerns and presenting recommendations on economic matters.
Tariq Haleem Urges UBG to Nominate S.M. Tanveer
Tariq Haleem urged the core committees of the United Business Group (UBG) to unanimously nominate S.M. Tanveer for the position of FPCCI President.
He said a strong and effective Federation could serve as a vital bridge between the government and the private sector. He also emphasised the importance of respecting the legitimate rights of the business community and giving due consideration to its recommendations.
Haleem’s remarks underline the importance he places on stable economic policies, effective business representation and stronger coordination between the public and private sectors. He expressed hope that the expected change in FPCCI leadership would help strengthen the Federation’s role in addressing industry concerns and promoting trade, exports and investment in Pakistan.
