Randhawa to reform UKPCCI

Naheed Randhawa has recently been elected president of the UK Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UKPCCI) , which is non-profit and apolitical body came into being in 1979. UKPCCI is recognised both by the governments of Britain and Pakistan. A team of professional and talented directors is running chamber’s affair in the leadership of Mr Randhawa. The Asians met him recently to know what his organisation is doing to help Pakistani business community in the UK.

The Asians: Why was the need for UKPCCI felt?
Naheed Randhawa: Well, I think a platform was needed to guide Pakistanis doing business in Pakistan in order to increase bilateral trade between Pakistan and the UK.  With this objective in mind, the founding members formed UKPCCI some 31 years ago. The main objective of the chamber is to help resolve problems of the businessmen with the cooperation of Pakistani High Commission and other departments concerned.

The Asians: Some people often point out lack of unity in Pakistani business community, why is it?
Naheed Randhawa: I don’t think that the unity among business community isn’t as bleak as some people paint it. There can difference of opinion but most of the people love Pakistan and keep her interest as part of their business strategy. Uttering negative words is easy than looking for solution of the problems. Unfortunately, some people are good at finding faults than fixing them if there are any. There’s no harm in discussing problems but criticism for the sake of criticism is not fair.

The Asians: Do you agree that Pakistani business community could not get it recognised as it should have been especially compared to the Indian business community?
Naheed Randhawa: I don’t agree with this point of view because Pakistani business community is doing its best for the business and the society here. Chamber doesn’t want to enter into any race. Its main objective is to help guide businessmen so that they can do business with peace of mind and generate jobs opportunities.

The Asians: What repercussions the recent economic crisis has on businesses?
Naheed Randhawa: The crisis hasn’t limited to one or two countries. It’s been a global phenomenon. But, yes doing business has become a bit difficult under current environment of financial meltdown. I think business organisations and people should have to work with the government to combat the situation. Interest rates must be lowered down for capital formation and consequent job creation.

The Asians: The coalition government of conservatives and Lib Dem has been touting about cuts. What do you think about these measures?
Naheed Randhawa: I think government wants to introduce cuts in the sectors and departments which are good for nothing. The government seems to have such no intention whereas investment and production sectors are concerned. The proposed cuts might result in unemployment of some people but in the long run this would help create more jobs.

The Asians: Which of the countries, Pakistan and India, has more opportunities for business?
Naheed Randhawa: Pakistan has tremendous scope for investment and the government is also encouraging businesses. Power generation sector has a great capacity for investment; same is with the agriculture sector. Government spending a very little percentage of its budget on education sector, so the private sector has an opportunity to invest in this area as well. But the government would have to improve law and order situation to drawn attention of the foreign investors. I would advise the UK-based businessmen to look after their business interest in Pakistan personally rather than relying on others. Some people have shown interest in power generation and transport sectors. Some of the Chamber’s directors have held meetings with the (Pakistani) High Commission people in this regard. Our job is to provide networking opportunities to the businesses.

The Asians: How does UKPCCI works?
Naheed Randhawa: The chamber has 15 directors. We elect five new directors after every three years. The directors are responsible for electing executive committee and other office bearers including chairman and president.

The Asians: How would you like to run the organisation?
Naheed Randhawa: My first effort as president of the chamber would be to take everybody onboard in decision making. Our directors are experienced people and work exceptionally good as a team. We would run the chamber making best use of experience of the seniors and innovative energy of the young lot. Some reforms might have to be introduced for the betterment of directors and members.

The Asians: What suggestions would you give to the Government of Pakistan to boost bilateral trade?
Naheed Randhawa: The government must come up with a comprehensive package of incentives for foreign investment. First of all, a separate department be set up to deal and facilitate the foreign investors. Some tax relief for foreign investors will also be advisable but the most importantly the law and order situation has to be improved considerably.  I would ask the business community that if they are willing to invest in Pakistan the UKPCCI is the forum to get guidance.

The Asians: Any message for business community?
Naheed Randhawa: I would like to say that environment for investment isn’t conducive anywhere in the world currently but there is a great opportunity of investment in Pakistan. Please come to the UKPCCI if somebody has apprehensions in this regard. We will listen and advice them accordingly.