ISLAMABAD, JUL 3 /DNA/ – The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and the CDA Officers Association have agreed to formulate a joint liaison committee aimed at ensuring the timely resolution of issues confronting the business community, strengthening institutional coordination and promoting sustained engagement between stakeholders for a more business-friendly and better-managed federal capital.

The decision was taken during a meeting held at ICCI in which it was agreed that the proposed committee would comprise representatives from ICCI and the CDA Officers Association and would meet regularly to deliberate upon issues relating to trade, taxation, urban management, regulatory affairs and civic services. The forum would serve as a mechanism for identifying challenges, evolving consensus-based solutions and ensuring prompt follow-up on matters affecting businesses and traders.

Speaking on the occasion, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood emphasized that the business community is a major stakeholder in Islamabad and contributes significantly to the national economy. He said that stronger coordination between the Chamber and CDA Officers Association would help improve governance, ensure continuity in policies and facilitate the resolution of longstanding issues faced by traders, industrialists and investors. He stressed the need for institutionalized dialogue and regular interaction to promote a conducive business environment in the capital.

President CDA Officers Association Aamir Shehzad said that both organizations had earlier discussed the idea of strengthening mutual engagement and now there was a need to institutionalize this cooperation through a formal coordination mechanism. He highlighted that Islamabad had faced increasing administrative and regulatory challenges over the past several years due to frequent changes in management and policy directions. He underlined the importance of stakeholder consultation, policy consistency and stronger representation of local voices in decision-making forums. He appreciated the role played by ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood in taking up business-related concerns and said that the proposed liaison committee would become an effective platform for addressing issues through mutual consultation.

General Secretary CDA Officers Association Kamran Bakht reiterated that close cooperation between the business community and regulatory institutions was essential for sustainable urban development. He observed that many issues relating to encroachments, enforcement, parking management and civic amenities could be addressed more effectively through structured engagement and regular consultations. He expressed confidence that the liaison committee would help bridge communication gaps and facilitate timely resolution of concerns raised by traders and entrepreneurs.

Chairman CDA Officers Association Riaz Khan   emphasized that greater involvement of local stakeholders in policy making would contribute to better governance, improved service delivery and a more responsive regulatory framework for Islamabad.

Speaking on the occasion, Senior Vice President ICCI Tahir Ayub said that ICCI has consistently advocated for reforms aimed at promoting ease of doing business and reducing procedural bottlenecks. He stated that the proposed liaison mechanism would provide an effective platform for constructive engagement between regulators and the private sector, enabling both sides to work collectively towards practical and long-term solutions.

In his remarks, Vice President ICCI Irfan Chaudhry appreciated the initiative to establish a liaison committee and termed it a significant step towards fostering public-private partnership. He expressed hope that regular interaction and coordination would not only strengthen trust between institutions but would also enhance transparency, accountability and investor confidence in the federal capital.

Earlier, former President ICCI Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of sustained engagement between regulatory authorities and the business community.  The event was conducted by former Senior Vice President Khalid Chaudhry and was also attended by ICCI Executive Members Rohail Anwar Butt, Ishaq Sial and Malik Aqeel Ahmed, senior members Israr Mishwani and Tehmas Butt, along with office-bearers of various Traders Welfare Associations including President TWA Blue Area Yousuf Rajput.