By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: As his tenure as President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) concludes, Faheem ur Rehman Saigol looks back at a year marked by extensive engagement with policymakers, strong advocacy for industry, efforts to facilitate businesses and expansion of international commercial linkages.
So far as LCCI’s 2025-26 performance is concerned, LCCI remained focused on strengthening its traditional role as a bridge between the government and private sector while expanding its engagement in areas including taxation, exports, investment, technology, SMEs, education and international trade.
Reflecting on his tenure, Saigol said the chamber’s core responsibility was to ensure that the concerns of traders, industrialists, exporters and entrepreneurs reached the relevant decision-making forums.
• Strong government-business engagement:
“From the beginning of my tenure, our primary objective was to strengthen the relationship between the government and business community. A strong economy requires continuous consultation between policymakers and those who are actually running businesses, creating employment and investing in the country.
“LCCI maintained active engagement with federal and provincial policymakers, ministers, senior officials and regulatory institutions. We ensured that the challenges faced by businesses were presented directly before decision-makers so that policies could be developed with practical input from stakeholders.”
• Federal budget advocacy:
“The federal budget is one of the most important economic exercises every year because it directly affects businesses, investors and consumers. During the FY2026-27 budget process, LCCI actively participated in discussions and highlighted issues related to taxation, industrial growth, investment, exports and documentation.
“We presented recommendations from the business community and also organised a dedicated post-budget analysis session after the announcement. The objective was not only to understand the impact of budgetary measures but also to provide businesses with clarity and highlight areas where further improvements were required.”
• Tax reforms and taxpayer facilitation:
“One of our consistent positions was that Pakistan needs a broader and fairer taxation system. Expanding the tax base is necessary, but it should be achieved through encouraging new taxpayers and improving documentation rather than increasing pressure on existing documented businesses.
“Businesses require a simple, transparent and predictable tax system. During my tenure, LCCI continued advocating easier compliance procedures, improved taxpayer facilitation and policies that encourage voluntary participation in the tax system.”
• Tax-return deadline intervention:
“LCCI has always tried to address practical issues faced by the business community. When taxpayers faced difficulties in completing income-tax return filing requirements within the available timeframe, we raised these concerns with the relevant authorities.
“Our objective was to ensure that genuine difficulties of taxpayers were considered and that compliance should become easier rather than more complicated.”
• Industrial protection advocacy:
“Pakistan’s economic progress depends heavily on a strong industrial base. Every industrial unit represents investment, employment opportunities and economic activity.
“During my tenure, LCCI strongly raised concerns whenever businesses faced challenges related to closure, relocation or disruption. Our position remained that industrial growth requires policy stability, supportive regulations and an environment where investors feel confident.”
• Saggian industrial area intervention:
“The concerns of industries operating in the Saggian area were among the important issues taken up by LCCI. Industrial units faced uncertainty due to developments related to RUDA, and the chamber actively engaged with relevant stakeholders.
“After RUDA-related action was suspended for two weeks, a committee headed by me was formed to examine the concerns of affected industries. The purpose was to facilitate dialogue and work towards solutions while keeping industrial activity and employment protection in view.”
• Energy-sector advocacy:
“Energy remains one of the biggest challenges for Pakistan’s industrial sector. Affordable and reliable electricity and gas supply is essential for maintaining competitiveness.
“Throughout my tenure, LCCI consistently highlighted the importance of energy reforms. We welcomed progress towards a National Integrated Energy Plan but continued emphasising that industrial competitiveness must remain central to energy policy decisions.”
• Business-friendly fuel conservation:
“National priorities and business requirements must move together. LCCI supported energy and fuel conservation objectives, but we also emphasised that policies should be designed in a way that does not unnecessarily affect commercial and industrial activities.
“Businesses need stability and continuity to operate effectively, and economic considerations must remain part of policy planning.”
• Export promotion:
“Pakistan cannot achieve sustainable economic growth without increasing exports. LCCI repeatedly emphasised the need for export-led growth, value addition, diversification of export markets and improving the competitiveness of Pakistani products.
“Our exporters have the capability to compete internationally, but they require supportive policies, better infrastructure, competitive energy costs and improved market access.”
• Import substitution:
“Alongside increasing exports, strengthening domestic manufacturing is equally important. LCCI highlighted import substitution as a key priority because reducing unnecessary imports and promoting local production can help improve the trade balance and create more industrial opportunities.”
• Europe trade mission:
“International engagement remained an important part of our strategy. I had the opportunity to lead a high-level LCCI business delegation to Europe to explore opportunities for trade, investment and business-to-business cooperation.
“Such visits are not only about meetings; they are about creating long-term relationships, understanding international markets and providing Pakistani businesses opportunities to connect with global partners.”
• Germany business outreach:
“During the European mission, our delegation held engagements in Germany, including industrial visits and meetings with business stakeholders. Germany represents one of the world’s leading industrial economies, and cooperation with German businesses can provide valuable opportunities in technology, manufacturing and investment.”
• China-Pakistan industrial cooperation:
“China remains an important economic partner for Pakistan. LCCI hosted Chinese business representatives and facilitated discussions on areas including joint ventures, industrial parks, vehicle manufacturing, lithium batteries and other sectors.
“Our focus was to encourage cooperation that goes beyond trade and moves towards investment, industrial partnerships and technology transfer.”
• US-Pakistan business engagement:
“Strengthening commercial relations with the United States was also part of our international outreach. LCCI hosted a US business delegation and highlighted opportunities for investment and cooperation between businesses of both countries.
“Direct business-to-business engagement is essential for developing confidence and expanding economic relations.”
• Support for Pak-US trade negotiations:
“LCCI welcomed discussions regarding Pakistan-US reciprocal trade arrangements and emphasised that future trade cooperation should create greater opportunities for Pakistani exporters and improve access to international markets.”
• Africa trade initiative:
“Diversification of export markets is necessary for Pakistan’s economic growth. LCCI encouraged businesses to explore opportunities in African markets and held discussions aimed at strengthening commercial and investment relations, including with Tanzania.”
• Central Asian market focus:
“Central Asia offers significant opportunities due to geographical proximity and connectivity potential. LCCI organised the ‘Gateway to Central Asia’ seminar to create awareness among businesses about emerging trade opportunities with these markets.”
• Azerbaijan investment engagement:
“LCCI’s participation in the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Investment Conference reflected our commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations and exploring new avenues for trade and investment cooperation.”
• Technology-sector partnership:
“Pakistan’s economic future is closely linked with technology, innovation and digital transformation. During my tenure, LCCI focused on strengthening cooperation with the technology sector and creating more opportunities for businesses to benefit from emerging technologies.
“LCCI signed an MoU with the Pakistan Tech Forum to promote technology-driven economic growth and deepen cooperation between the traditional business community and Pakistan’s expanding technology ecosystem. The objective was to encourage collaboration between entrepreneurs, technology experts and industries.”
• Promotion of IT exports and freelancers:
“The IT sector has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most promising areas for growth. LCCI gave special attention to freelancers, software professionals and technology entrepreneurs because they represent a new generation of exporters.
“We organised the 3rd LCCI IT Freelancing Awards to recognise the contribution of freelancers and highlight their role in strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy. Such initiatives help create awareness about opportunities available in the global technology market.”
• Digital economy agenda:
“During the year, LCCI engaged representatives of the IT industry to discuss ways to expand Pakistan’s digital economy. Discussions covered areas including technology parks, data centres, freelancers, startups, SMEs and increasing IT exports.
“The digital economy has the potential to create employment opportunities for young Pakistanis and contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings.”
• SME development:
“Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. A large number of businesses depend on SMEs, and their growth is essential for employment generation and economic expansion.
“Throughout my tenure, LCCI kept SME development among its priorities. We organised awareness activities and highlighted the need for easier access to finance, affordable energy, simplified regulations and a more supportive business environment.
“SMEs often face challenges different from large industries, and they require targeted policies that allow them to grow and compete.”
• Industry-academia linkage:
“An economy cannot progress without skilled human resources, innovation and research. One of our priorities was to strengthen cooperation between universities and industry so that academic programmes and research activities better match the requirements of businesses.
“The private sector needs skilled graduates, while universities need industry exposure to understand changing market demands. Strong industry-academia cooperation can help bridge this gap.”
• Higher education collaboration:
“Our engagement with Punjab Higher Education Commission leadership focused on improving academic curricula, developing youth potential and creating stronger connections between educational institutions and businesses.
“The objective was to encourage universities to focus not only on degrees but also on employable skills, entrepreneurship and practical knowledge required by industries.”
• Innovation showcase initiative:
“LCCI continued its flagship ‘One Day at LCCI’ platform to provide opportunities for universities, innovators and entrepreneurs to present their ideas before the business community.
“During this initiative, innovation associated with the University of South Asia was also showcased. Such platforms are important because they bring together creativity, research and business opportunities.”
• Industrial-sector institutional partnerships:
“Strong institutional cooperation is necessary for industrial development. During my tenure, LCCI signed an MoU with the Pakistan Industrial Sewing Machine Importers and Dealers Association (PISMIDA) to strengthen collaboration and support industrial growth.
“Such partnerships allow sector-specific issues to be discussed more effectively and help develop solutions through collective efforts.”
• Strategic MoUs and institutional collaboration:
“LCCI expanded its network of institutional partnerships during the year. Agreements with organisations including Synergia Global and other institutions were aimed at connecting businesses with specialised expertise, services and opportunities.
“The chamber’s role is not limited to advocacy; it also has the responsibility of creating platforms where businesses can access knowledge, partnerships and new possibilities.”
• Support for women entrepreneurs:
“Women entrepreneurs are an important part of Pakistan’s economic future. LCCI remained committed to providing women-led businesses with greater visibility and opportunities.
“We organised Women Entrepreneurs Day activities and engaged women entrepreneurs’ delegations to understand their challenges and identify ways through which the chamber could provide stronger support.
“Encouraging women’s participation in business is not only a social responsibility but also an economic necessity.”
• Sector-specific problem solving:
“LCCI has always believed that effective representation requires understanding problems at the grassroots level. During my tenure, we did not limit our focus only to broad economic policies.
“We actively took up concerns of different sectors and trade groups, including petroleum dealers, manufacturers and other industrial and commercial associations.
“Every sector contributes to the economy, and their concerns require proper representation before relevant authorities.”
• Strengthening LCCI’s institutional role:
“During 2025-26, our effort was to further strengthen LCCI’s position as a representative institution of the business community.
“A chamber’s effectiveness is measured by how successfully it communicates the concerns of businesses, builds bridges with government institutions and creates opportunities for its members.
“Our approach remained based on consultation, dialogue and practical solutions.”
• Reflections on economic challenges during the tenure:
“Businesses operated in a challenging environment where they faced multiple issues, including high costs, taxation concerns, energy challenges and global economic pressures.
“In such circumstances, the role of a chamber becomes even more important. LCCI tried to provide a platform where businesses could collectively raise their concerns and engage with policymakers.
“We always believed that criticism alone is not enough; constructive suggestions and dialogue are necessary for solving economic problems.”
• Relationship with the business community:
“I consider my engagement with the business community as one of the most valuable parts of my tenure. Traders, industrialists, exporters and entrepreneurs shared their concerns openly with LCCI, and we tried our best to represent them.
“The strength of any chamber comes from the confidence of its members. Our efforts were focused on making LCCI more accessible, responsive and connected with different sectors.”
• Message while completing tenure:
“As I complete my term as President LCCI, I believe the chamber’s greatest strength is its unity and commitment towards economic development.
“The business community is not only a stakeholder but a partner in Pakistan’s progress. A stronger partnership between government and private sector is essential for investment, exports, employment creation and sustainable economic growth.
“I am confident that LCCI will continue its important role as a voice of businesses and will keep working for a stronger economy.”
• Overall assessment of the tenure:
“Looking back at 2025-26, our focus remained clear: protecting industry, facilitating businesses, promoting exports, encouraging investment, supporting SMEs, strengthening technology adoption and ensuring that the private sector remained part of economic decision-making.
“The achievements of LCCI during this period were the result of collective efforts by office-bearers, executive committee members, the LCCI team and the entire business community.
“I leave the office with satisfaction that LCCI continued to serve as an effective bridge between policymakers and businesses and maintained its position as one of Pakistan’s leading chambers of commerce.”
