ICCI proposes city economic competitiveness index

The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for a new index to measure the capital’s ability to attract investment and support business, Business Recorder reported. Chamber president Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia presented the proposal at a meeting with local business leaders on Wednesday, saying Islamabad needs a data-based approach to economic development.

The suggested measure would assess factors such as business regulations, investor services, digital access, transport links, finance availability, workforce skills and entrepreneurship. ICCI senior vice president Mohammad Ashfaq Hussain Chatha said it should help identify obstacles and set practical remedies, with government departments and business groups coordinating on investor facilitation. The chamber also highlighted opportunities in technology-led businesses, professional services and start-ups, and called for better information for foreign business delegations.