Traders asked to support govt during coronavirus outbreak

Islamabad: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has called upon the business community to come forward and extend maximum support to the poor and needy people in this difficult hour and become partner with the government in mitigating the problems of weak segments of society.

Muhammad Ahmed Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that due to coronavirus issue, businesses and industrial units were closed, but vowed that workers would not be laid off and would be paid wages so that they could support their families. He also appealed to the business community not to lay off any worker and play their role in meeting their needs in this tough time. He said that a support desk has been setup in ICCI that would start working from 2nd April 2020. He further emphasized that well-to-do and wealthy people should take maximum participation in welfare activities and added that business community was standing with the government in these challenging times. He said this while addressing a consultative meeting of ICCI Executive Committee through video link. Muhammad Ahmed Waheed said that after consultation, a Committee has been formed under his supervision comprising Muhammad Aslam Khokhar and Faad Waheed Executive Members ICCI to analyse the situation and provide support to the needy people.

ICCI President issued instructions for doubling the capacity of already running Langar in G-8/1, Islamabad to provide lunch to labour class. He urged that the Langar place should be disinfected with spray so that people could avail lunch in a neat and clean place. He also appealed to the business community to contribute for this noble cause.

He said that nations have to face the difficult times and but we could better cope with this situation with unity and cooperation. He stressed that business community should fully follow the instructions of government to control the outspread of coronavirus.

He said that ICCI would remain closed by 1st April, but government’s instructions would be followed after taking direction from Trade Regulator who has already extended the membership renewal date up to 30th April 2020.