Islamabad Chamber of Commerce proposes economic competitiveness index

Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), has proposed the creation of an Islamabad City Economic Competitiveness Index. The initiative aims to assess the federal capital’s economic strengths, investment potential, infrastructure efficiency, and general business environment.

Zia argued that Islamabad should transition from conventional urban development toward a modern, data-driven economic framework to become a more competitive investment destination. The proposed index would evaluate indicators such as regulatory efficiency, ease of doing business, digital connectivity, transport, logistics, and access to finance.

ICCI Senior Vice President Mohammad Ashfaq Hussain Chatha suggested the index serve as a practical tool to identify challenges and recommend solutions through coordination between the Capital Development Authority, government departments, and business stakeholders. Vice President Mohammad Waqas Khan Swati added that the city has significant potential to become a hub for technology-driven enterprises, startups, and professional services.