GOVERNOR STATE BANK’S ANNOUNCEMENT TO EXTEND THE CUT-OFF DATE OF EPD CIRCULAR NO. 01 OF 2023 On March 09, 2023, Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Malik, President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry attended the inauguration ceremony of the new State Bank of Pakistan building in Sialkot. On the occasion, the President had a one-on-one meeting with the Honorable Governor State Bank of Pakistan Mr. Jameel Ahmed wherein multiple issues of the industry were discussed including but not limited to the extension in EPD CIRCULAR NO. 01 OF 2023 (OVERDUE PAYMENTS), Facilitation in the import of raw material for the export sector, expedited approval of EXIM Bank of Pakistan, offering of Credit Insurance by the Commercial Banks against Export Shipments, and issuance of Credit Cards to Corporates. The President Chamber shared that the cut-off date of March 01, 2023, prescribed under the circular EPD CIRCULAR NO. 01 OF 2023, was too early, and the same should be extended to at least 6 months to allow the exporters to settle their overdue cases. On the occasion, Mr. Jameel Ahmed, Honorable Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan announced that a 06 months extension would be given on the cut-off date of the EPD Circular No. 01, 2023 allowing the exporters an ample amount of time to settle their overdue proceeds. The Governor shared that a relevant circular in said regard would be issued in the month of March 2023. Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Malik thanked the Governor State Bank of Pakistan for the most positive announcement made in the greater interest of the export sector. He assured that the exporters with overdue proceeds due to genuine reasons would conveniently be able to settle their accounts with the announced extension. March 09, 2023
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Mr. Yousaf Hussain, President & CEO Faysal Bank Ltd called on Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Malik, President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry for an interactive session with the members. The President Chamber appreciated the efforts of the Faysal Bank in its transformation towards purely Islamic mode of Banking. It was resolved that an awareness session on Islamic Banking and prospects would be arranged in the month of Ramadan. Mr. Yousaf Hussain, also assured the President of contribution in CSR Projects of Sialkot.
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On March 08, 2023, Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Malik, President of Sialkot Chamber participated in the 1st meeting of the Punjab Chambers of Commerce Coordination Committee (PCCCC) under the patronage of Chief Minister Punjab, Mr. Mohsin Naqvi and Provincial Minister for Industries, Commerce, Investment & Skills Development Mr. SM Tanveer. The meeting was attended by top Government stalwarts including Minister C&W, Minister Local Government, IGP Punjab, Secretary ICI&SDD, Secretary Labour, Chairman PRA, MD PSIC, and other officials. During the session the President Chamber highlighted key points of the District Sialkot including but not limited to the Sialkot Industrial Zone, Exemption to the Export Sector from Levy of 5% Excise Tax on Properties on Highways, Sialkot Safe City Project, Release of Funds for completion of Sialkot-Pasrur Road, Kashmir Road, and Sialkot Wazirabad Road. The Chief Minister Punjab assured of his full support on the execution of the shared issues/proposals while Mr. Bilal Afzal, Minister C&W shared with the President that Sialkot-Pasrur Road & Sialkot-Wazirabad Road had been included in the top priority list and soon the funds would be released. Mr. SM Tanveer, Minister ICI&SD acknowledged the proposals and assured Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Malik of expedited work on the Sialkot Industrial Zone Project. On the occasion, Mr. Ehsan Bhutta, Secretary ICI&SD shared that he would soon visit Sialkot along with MD PSIC for a session with the members of the Sialkot Chamber on issues of mutual interest.
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On March 06,2023 SCCI conducted the advanced diplomatic course in-collaboration with Foreign Service Academy Islamabad, for foreign diplomats of Bulgaria, Kenya, Maldives, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Malik chaired the session and briefed the participants regarding the industries of the Sialkot, the achievements of the business community and exporting profile. The avenues of mutual collaboration for promotion of bilateral trade were explored during the session.
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On February 06, 2023, The Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan visited the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Pakistan to interact with the business community. The President of SCCI encouraged direct business linkages and said the chamber would send a trade delegation to Azerbaijan. The ambassador praised the achievements of the SCCI and announced a Preferential Trade Agreement to increase economic relations between the two countries. He suggested cooperation in non-oil energy, health, and agriculture sectors and said Azerbaijan was open to investments and was a great market for products such as rice, martial arts, and surgical instruments. The ambassador also expressed interest in increasing people-to-people linkages and ensuring business connections during the trade delegation visit.
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On January 24, 2023, His Excellency Donald Blome, Ambassador of the USA to Pakistan visited Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry for a meeting with members of Sialkot Chamber. The Ambassador was warmly received by Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Malik, President Chamber along with other officials. During the meeting areas of mutual interest including but not limited to enhanced trading linkages, women empowerment, green environment & sustainable production came into discussion. His Excellency Donald Blome, shared that the United States was committed to help Pakistan in mitigating the affects of Climate Change, Promotion of Sustainable Energy, Encouraging Women participation and enhancing bilateral trade.
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On special invitation of His Excellency Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Malik led a delegation on the visit of International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization at ICESCO Headquarters Rabat. It was a heart touching and enriching experience for delegates as they got to experience the way of life of the Prophet Muhammad (صَلَّى ٱللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) in virtual reality based on intensive research studies. Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Malik, President Chamber thanked His Excellency Dr. Salim M. AlMalik for providing a unique opportunity to the delegates. Later, His Excellency Dr. Salim M. AlMalik hosted the delegates for a dinner at his residence in Rabat. During the session, several avenues of cooperation between SCCI and ICESCO were discussed. The President Sialkot Chamber also extended a cordial invitation to His Excellency to visit the industrial city of Sialkot which was generously accepted.
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