By M Qadeer
LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) should continue evolving as an effective institution that represents traders and industrialists, facilitates businesses and builds stronger coordination with government authorities, says Rameez Dewan, President Drogawala Industrial Estate and candidate for LCCI Executive Committee 2026-28 on PIAF ticket.
Dewan, who is contesting the election under the leadership of PIAF Chairman Mian Anjum Nisar and with the guidance of LCCI Executive Committee member Shoban Akhtar, said the chamber’s real strength lies in understanding the challenges faced by businesses at the ground level and pursuing practical solutions through institutional engagement.
An industrialist himself, Dewan said his association with industry has given him direct exposure to the difficulties faced by manufacturers, traders and entrepreneurs.
He said businesses today require more than representation through statements; they need continuous engagement, follow-up and a structured approach towards resolving issues affecting their operations.
In an interview outlining his vision for the LCCI elections, Dewan said the chamber should focus on making business easier, reducing unnecessary hurdles and creating an environment where entrepreneurs can invest, expand and generate employment.
Business facilitation should remain LCCI’s priority
Dewan said the primary responsibility of a chamber of commerce is to facilitate its members and become a bridge between businesses and policymakers.
According to him, traders and industrialists contribute significantly to economic activity by creating jobs, investing capital, paying taxes and supporting supply chains.
However, he added that businesses often face challenges related to taxation procedures, regulatory requirements, energy costs, infrastructure limitations and coordination with different government departments.
He said LCCI should strengthen its facilitation mechanism so that members can approach the chamber with their concerns and receive proper guidance and institutional support.
“An effective chamber is one that remains connected with its members and understands the practical difficulties they face,” he said.
Dewan said the role of elected representatives should not end after highlighting an issue. Continuous follow-up and communication with relevant authorities are equally important.
Industrial experience and understanding of ground realities
Talking about his own experience, Dewan said his role as President of Drogawala Industrial Estate has allowed him to closely observe the challenges faced by industrial units.
Industrial areas, he said, are not only centres of production but also sources of employment and economic activity.
He said manufacturers require a supportive environment where basic facilities, infrastructure, utilities and regulatory procedures allow them to focus on production and growth.
According to Dewan, industrial problems should be addressed through regular consultation with stakeholders because every sector has different requirements.
He said LCCI can play an important role by identifying sector-specific issues and presenting practical recommendations before the relevant institutions.
Energy costs and industrial competitiveness
Dewan said energy costs remain one of the major concerns for industrialists because electricity and other utilities directly affect production expenses.
He said businesses need stability and predictability in operating costs to plan investments and compete effectively.
According to him, industries operating in competitive markets must continuously improve efficiency and control costs, but they also require policies that support production.
He said LCCI should continue engaging with relevant authorities and presenting the concerns of industrial consumers.
Dewan added that strengthening industrial competitiveness would contribute towards employment generation, exports and overall economic activity.
Simplifying taxation and compliance
Discussing taxation, Dewan said businesses understand their responsibility towards the national economy and acknowledge the importance of compliance with laws and regulations.
However, he said procedures should be simplified so that businesses can understand their obligations clearly and fulfil them efficiently.
According to him, complicated compliance requirements can create additional administrative challenges, particularly for small and medium enterprises.
He said the business community wants a predictable environment where policies and procedures support economic activity.
Dewan maintained that LCCI can contribute by collecting feedback from members and presenting recommendations aimed at improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary complications.
Supporting traders and SMEs
Dewan said small and medium enterprises are an important part of Lahore’s economic landscape.
Many SMEs, he said, have strong potential but require better access to information, technology, finance and markets.
He said LCCI should continue strengthening programmes that help smaller businesses grow and become more competitive.
According to him, SMEs can become major contributors to employment and exports if they receive proper support.
He said the chamber should ensure that smaller businesses also feel connected with the institution and have access to opportunities.
Export growth requires collective effort
Dewan said increasing exports is essential for Pakistan’s economic development and Lahore’s business community has significant potential in this area.
He said Lahore has entrepreneurs operating in diverse sectors who can contribute towards expanding Pakistan’s presence in international markets.
However, exporters need support in areas including market access, product improvement, international standards and trade linkages.
According to Dewan, LCCI can play a stronger role by connecting local businesses with foreign chambers, trade organisations and international opportunities.
He said export growth requires cooperation among businesses, government institutions and trade bodies.
Infrastructure and commercial challenges
Dewan said infrastructure challenges directly affect business efficiency.
For industrial units, he said, roads, transportation facilities, utilities and connectivity are essential for smooth operations.
Similarly, commercial areas require better planning regarding accessibility, parking and movement of goods.
He said these issues may appear local in nature but have a direct impact on business activity.
According to Dewan, LCCI can coordinate with relevant departments and stakeholders to highlight such issues and work towards practical solutions.
Government-business partnership
Dewan said economic development is possible when government institutions and the private sector work together.
He said businesses require supportive policies, while government benefits from increased investment, employment, production and revenue generation.
According to him, LCCI should maintain constructive engagement with government authorities while effectively presenting the concerns of its members.
He said dialogue based on facts, consultation and practical recommendations is the most effective way forward.
“Business and government have a shared objective of economic progress,” he said.
PIAF’s approach towards business representation
Dewan said PIAF has remained associated with LCCI affairs and, according to him, has focused on representing the concerns of traders and industrialists.
He said the group believes in maintaining engagement with government institutions and working towards business-friendly policies.
Dewan said his own campaign is based on his experience as an industrialist and his understanding of the issues faced by entrepreneurs.
He said representatives of the business community should remain accessible and connected with their respective sectors.
Importance of experienced leadership
Dewan said chamber leadership requires experience, understanding and commitment.
He said elected representatives should regularly interact with traders and industrialists to understand changing business challenges.
According to him, LCCI is an institution representing a diverse business community, including exporters, manufacturers, traders and SMEs.
He said every segment has different concerns and deserves proper attention.
A vision focused on practical solutions
With LCCI elections scheduled for September 23 and 24, Dewan said the business community should focus on choosing representatives who understand economic challenges and can contribute positively to the chamber’s role.
He said his objective is to work for stronger representation of traders and industrialists and support initiatives that improve the business environment.
According to Dewan, Lahore has enormous economic potential due to its entrepreneurial spirit, industrial base and skilled workforce.
However, he said achieving greater growth requires continuous efforts to remove unnecessary barriers, improve coordination and support businesses.
He said the future of LCCI should be based on accessibility, professionalism and practical outcomes.
For Dewan, an effective chamber is one that stands with businesses, understands their challenges and works consistently to create opportunities for growth.