Kohat Chamber of Commerce & Industry

PROMOTER’S LETTER
It is a matter of great pride to me and a tribute to the dedication and professionalism of the team at the Kohat Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (KTCCI), that this Annual Review is one of the achievements, particularly against a backdrop of
significant, fast moving events. We, undoubtedly, are proud to proclaim that KTCCIhas achieved its objectives so far, as per the
formulated strategyof the chamber, to the best of its abilities.Through extensive consultation with Chambers and companies
across Pakistan, KTCCIreflects the shared priorities and aspirations of the business community in not only district Kohat but also
the neighboring former FATA region.

KTCCI’s business strategy focused on the practical implementation of the chamber’s initiatives from the date of its inception,
and accordingly a strategized promotional campaign was organized as soon as the chamber became operational, mainly
targeting the business community and thereby, attracting initial and potential memberships. The press conferences were
attended by nationwide delegates, business personnel and journalists. Pakistan’s senior politicians, including multiple MPA’s
and MNA’s, joined key business leaders to outline their visions and plans for the district. The conference received widespread
coverage, reinforcing our position as a highly influential, independent business network.

2014 was a year of growth not only for the Pakistan’s economy, but also for the Chamber of Commerce Network. Last twoyears
saw further progress on our ambition to become nationalized network as we expanded the accredited Chamber of Commerce
and related business groups, covering the neighboring FATA regions.

We also visited multiple business hubs on personal expenses including China, UK, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, India and Sri Lanka, to
further enhance our International business understanding and relationships. Showcase events were attended and familiarized,
as we look to radically expand the number of exporters we support and strengthen our connections domestically as well as
overseas.

National trade connections are one of the many strands of activity within our new three-year strategy which was launched this
past year, following detailed consultations across the Chamber Network, the Board and other stakeholders. It is built around
core, longer term campaigns, designed to meet the evolving direction of business focus.

The other central plank of the strategy is our aspiration to act as a catalyst in helping young people make the transition from
education to work. It is crucial that our young people are equipped with the skills – practical, interpersonal and digital - to forge
ahead in their careers and meet business’ needs. It is a priority which is close to my heart and shared by many businesspersons
I talk to.

Successful businesses transform, adapt and consistently reinvent themselves and as a Network operating in a national
marketplace we need to respond to a kaleidoscopic audience that is more diverse than ever. We no longer compete locally; we
operate in a global marketplace. In a world where people wear brands, eat brands, listen to brands, and tell others about the
brands they love, it is vital to have a strong identity and clear vision of objectives which add value. That is why the promotion
and protection of the KTCCIbrand sits at the very heart of our new three-year plan.

Our sincere thanks to the Board and Executive team for their tireless work to raise the profile and influence of the Chamber
Network as the authentic voice of business. I am confident that we will continue to go from strength to strength!
 Kohat Chamber of Commerce & Industry

PLAN OF ACTIVITIES - KTCCI

KTCCI’s executive committee approved the three-year strategy for the chamber starting from year 2018/19, which
reflects the collective view of business community and our aspirations. Based firmly on the concerns and views of
members of the Chamber, the plan’s delivery will help the district become a more confident, enterprising and skilled
trading region. The KTCCI secured widespread support for the Business Plan and commitments from seasoned politicians
to endorse many of the elements in its plan, thus promoting KTCCI’s stance throughout the national business
community.

Business Plan
KTCCI’s business plan comprises of the following prominent actions:
 Establishment of KTCCI’s Headquarters
 Trainings & Capacity Building
 Establishment of a new Industrial estate
 Facilitation of Afghan business community
 Mineral Resource Utilization
 Skilled Women Community
Establishment of KTCCI’s Headquarters
Currently the KTCCI had been operating through a rented premise, in order to avoid any major public fund utilization for
a permanent office until a formidable plan had been approved by the governing committee. It was believed to be a
crucial point during the planning stage that in order for KTCCI to have a strong foothold in the region, a functional,
accessible and prominent headquarter building would be required. Thereafter, KTCCIplanned to erect a state of the art
building constructed at a prime location in District Kohat to have a stronghold in the community. The HQ will act as a
focal point for all matters relating to the chamber and will provide a platform for the business community to reach out to
for any matters relating to the department.

President KTCCI Mr. M Junaid& VP FPCCI Mr. Rasheed Parachi meeting with District Nazim for the allocation of land for KTCCI Headquarters
Trainings & Capacity Building
KTCCI aspires towards retaining a place throughout the community with finesse and excellence. It is of utmost
importance for KTCCI to retain a team of highly qualified individuals who will manage the affairs of the chamber through
competence and poise. KTCCI shall approach various public and private sector organizations such as Small and Medium
Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA), National Productivity Organization (NPO), Institute of Management
Sciences (IMS), International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) and Higher Education Commission (HEC) etc. and other academia to conduct a series of
workshops, seminars, meetings and conferences to supplement knowledge to its members and take practical steps
towards capacity building. The Reformed General Sales Tax (RGST), S5 cleansing system and intellectual property rights
workshops were held during the first year of plan implementation in corroboration with SMEDA, NPO and Federal Board
of Revenues (FBR). A crucial seminar on reconstruction development zones (ROZ) is also planned out to be held with the
support of USAID.
Establishment of a new Industrial Estate
KTCCI is thriving to be a core function of the district in representing business development and advancement. Therefore,
it is one of the foremost and prime points in the three-year plan to establish an industrial estate for the industrialization
of private sector in the region. The
location of the estate is planned
out to be situated at the borders of
District Kohat and District Karak,
comprising an area of one thousand
acres of land.

VP FPCCI Rasheed Paracha in coordination with Assistant Director of small industrial estate, Kohat, speaking regarding the granted
preliminary approvals of the industrial estate and the benefits of investment towards the estate.
Facilitation of Afghan business community

The chamber deals with a vast number of members regarding matters relating to business concerns and queries relating
to Afghanistan. In order to accommodate these concerns, the chamber has cited in its plan that a help desk shall be
entrenched in the chamber’s premises which shall be a focal point for queries resolution and information distribution to
business personnel regarding Afghanistan related business matters; including, but not limited to exporters, importers
and investors. Apart from connections with the Afghan market, desk staff shall be equipped with the latest technology to
help them promptly deal with any such matters. This is planned to be accomplished through a financial grant request
with Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE).
Mineral Resource Utilization
There is an abundance of mineral resource mines in District Kohat, especially coal and natural gas. Coal excavation is
highly intensive in mountainous areas such as Darra Adam Khel and former FATA regions. This creates a significant
business growth opportunity for the region if the resources are utilized with appropriate management. KTCCI plans to
give preferential support to investors and exporters in achieving this for the betterment and advancement of the whole
region.
Skilled Women Community
The region of District Kohat lacks any proper support to promote women in utilizing their skills and contribute to the
community on a macro level, even though the female population of the district is highly skilled on a personal level. KTCCI
has set this out in its plan to evolve skilled women institutions and provide opportunity and support to such entities and
individuals, so that the small industry sector can maximize its potential through increasing its output and retention of
skilled employees.
OPERATIONAL FOREGROUND
KTCCI has been

operationally proficient since its date of inception after the issuance of relevant licenses and successful registrations with
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) & Federation of Pakistan
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) by the end of the year, 2013. It has achieved a number of admirable and
appreciable tasks which can be profoundly endorsed by the stakeholders.
After its inauguration, KTCCI initiated an elaborate promotional campaign towards its potential members through
dispersal of pamphlets, newspaper advertisements and press conferences which were nationally televised, in order to
spread awareness about the chamber and its prominent deliverables.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CHAMBER

Bridging Connections

Different tribal leaders, MPA’s & MNA’s, Ministers, Senators, foreign and domestic delegates, ambassadors,
commissioners and various officials from Kohat have since been invited and entertained, and meetings were held to
discuss the improvement plans regarding the endorsement and commendation of KTCCI’s strategic plan and its impact
on the regional and national level. AGM’s, elections and meetings were conducted on timely and regular intervals.
National and International Relationships
International visits have been made on personal expenses by KTCCI’s governing committee to Tajikistan, Uzbekistan,
London, China, India and Sri Lanka to attend showcase events and evolve further business connections in the global
market and act as a bridge for its members to interact with an international community. Former president and current
member of KTCCI, Mr. Malik Muhammad Asad,visited Beijing, Chinaon an official business trip as a member of CPEC
committee. Chambers were visited Pakistan-wide to attend relevant important events whilst simultaneously inviting and
discussing issues with authoritative figures at the Kohat chamber.
KTCCI delegates meeting with Uzbek Authorities under the leadership of Mr. Rasheed Paracha

Business Development & Support

KTCCI actively pursued the success and enhancement of small industrial enterprises and succeeded in the provision of basic utilities;
electricity and gas, and other resources to multiple entities whilst simultaneously presenting solutions and countermeasures for any
issues raised by the SME’s. Support letters were drafted and delivered to different departments in order to facilitate business problems
of individuals; and consequently, most problems were resolved.Business personnel were provided with facilities such as reference letters
to support visa applications and acquisition of import export licenses. CNG proprietors, companies and factory owners were assisted in
every possible manner, not only in Kohat but also in Hangu, Karak and former FATA areas.

VP FPCCI Mr. Rasheed Paracha meeting with Chairman FBR Dr. Muhammad Irshad concerning business community issue resolution and
further departmental coordination

Campaigning & Representation Activities

The Kohat Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KTCCI) continued to be a powerful and authentic voice for business throughout the District.
It worked hard to promote the views and concerns of its members to politicians at a local and national level. This year’s election makes this
aspect of our work particularly important. KTCCI is well-placed to make the voice of business heard loudly in the political tier, devolved
administrations, local governments and in town localities.

President of KTCCI
Mr. Muhammad Junaid receiving an award of Excellence at the All Pakistan Chambers Presidents’ Conference