Pakistan’s industrialists raise concerns over proposed amendments to Trade Organization rules

Senior officials from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) have raised serious concerns over the proposed legislation seeking amendments to the Trade Organization Rules (TORs) 2013, warning that the move could destabilise the country’s trade body framework and severely impact district-level economies.

FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said that the proposed legislation had sent shockwaves through the business community nationwide.

“The business environment is already shaky due to internal and external trade barriers and pressures. Chambers of Commerce are the last resort for the business community to raise their voice.

The proposed legislation will eliminate district-level chambers, destroy institutional structures, and devastate district economies,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

He emphasised that district chambers play a vital role in shaping local economies and contributing to the country’s economic growth.

“Any restriction on trade organisations could exclude export-oriented businesses from representation. The amendment will demoralise the business community and discourage SMEs and women-led businesses.”

Similarly, Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon cautioned that any abrupt changes to the existing framework could result in the closure of numerous representative trade bodies across the country.

“Chambers of Commerce and Industry are the principal platforms through which the business community collectively raises its concerns and contributes to policy advocacy,” he said.

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He warned that restricting trade bodies to municipal city limits would exclude industrial estates, SME clusters in tehsils, and rural export-oriented businesses from proper representation.

“Such amendments will dismantle district chambers, undermine years of institutional development, and adversely affect local economies—particularly women entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises,” he said.

The industrialists urged lawmakers to reconsider the proposed amendments and ensure the continuity of district chambers.