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Pakistan is experiencing a severe crisis of business confidence, as revealed by the latest surveys conducted by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI). According to the OICCI Business Confidence Index (BCI) Survey – Wave 23, which was conducted in March and April 2023, the overall level of business confidence in Pakistan fell to a dismal -25%, a startling 21% decrease from the Wave 22 Survey, which was carried out in September and October 2022.
The manufacturing industry experienced a 22% decline, which was followed by a 21% decline in the retail and wholesale trade sector and an 18% decline in the services sector. A depressingly low negative confidence level of 19 percent was also indicated by the OICCI members, who represent influential international investors.
The survey identified three main dangers to Pakistani corporate growth: extremely high inflation, heavy taxation, and depreciation of the Pakistani rupee. These elements have had a negative impact on both the current business climate and the outlook for the upcoming six months. The majority of respondents (82%) listed inflation as a top concern, followed by taxes (74%) and currency devaluation (72%)
These concerns have remained consistent since the last wave of the survey. Furthermore, a substantial increase from 56 percent in the previous wave to 75% of respondents in the most recent wave expressed a pessimistic attitude on the business environment. In a similar vein, 23% of respondents predicted a further fall in company prospects for the following six months as opposed to 33% in the previous wave.
The survey’s findings paint a bleak picture of Pakistan’s economic prospects and recommend that policymakers take quick action. It’s critical to move quickly and effectively to address the issues that have undermined corporate confidence. The government must prioritize monetary stability, inflation management, taxation rationalization, and improved business accessibility.
Along with working with the business sector, the government must promote an atmosphere of openness and responsibility. Additionally, establishing a favorable economic climate and luring international investment depend on political security and stability. The country is at a crossroads where prompt action is necessary to boost sustainable growth and restore confidence in the economy. Failure to do so puts the nation’s progress and prosperity at danger of further loss of business confidence.
