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Our History

The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has a rich history that spans over 150 years, starting as the Kurrachee Chamber of Commerce in 1860. Founded by seven British trading concerns, the Chamber aimed to promote commercial enterprise in the city and province. Early on, it established communication with chambers in Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay to cooperate on matters of commercial interest.

Under the leadership of D. McIver, the Chamber positioned itself as a guardian of Karachi's commerce rather than a subsidiary of Bombay business. Over the years, the membership grew, and in 1889, the Chamber was renamed The Karachi Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber played a significant role in the development of infrastructure and trade. Its members were nominated to the Karachi Port Trust 's Board of Trustees, reflecting their involvement in the city's harbor development. The Chamber also established sub-committees to address various concerns such as local affairs, port trust and shipping, finance and currency, canals and irrigation, and railways.

International affiliations were developed, and the Chamber attended the Congress of the Chamber of Commerce of the Empire. It welcomed the formation of new chambers in Punjab and Chittagong, recognizing the value of organized commercial opinion in India.

In 1924, the foundation stone of a new Chamber building was laid, and the construction was completed in 1927. The building, an impressive structure with classical architectural features, served as the Chamber's headquarters. Throughout the 1920s, the Chamber actively participated in commissions and committees of inquiry on taxation, banking, justice, labor, commodities, and manufacturing.

In 1947, the Chamber witnessed important milestones, including the election of the first Muslim member to its Managing Committee and gaining representation on the Board of the Karachi Grammar School. The Chamber continued to work towards the development of key infrastructure, including the airport, harbor, railway, and roads. It also played a crucial role in promoting industrial development in Karachi, supporting the establishment of the first industrial zone in S.I.T.E. (Sindh Industrial Trading Estate).

With the creation of Pakistan, the Chamber entered a new chapter in its hist ory, well¬ prepared to contribute to the country's economic growth. Over the years, the Chamber and its member organizations have played a significant role in the economic, infrastructural, and social development of Karachi , the province, and the nation.

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First Governor General of Pakistan

His Excellency, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah

would like to call your particular attention to the keen desire of the Government of Pakistan to associate individual initiative and private enterprise at every stage of industrialization. The number of industries Government have reserved for management by themselves consists of Arms and Munitions of War, Generation of Hydel Power and Manufacture of Railway Wagons, Telephones, Telegraph and Wireless Apparatus. All other industrial activity is left open to private enterprise which would be given every facility a Government can give for the establishment and development of industry.

(Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s Speech at the 88th Annual General Meeting of the Chamber)

  • 2022

  • 2021

  • 2020

  • 2019

  • 2018

  • 2017

  • 2009

  • 2007

  • 2005

  • 2002

  • Pakistan Climate Conference

    Organized the ‘Pakistan Climate Conference 2022’. The OICCI is the representative body of international investors operating in Pakistan, aiming to leverage the expertise of OICCI members for the benefit of the investors and the country.

    Round Table Dialogue for the launch of OICCI’s whitepaper titled, “Synergizing the Climate Ambition"

    Organized a round table to launch the whitepaper titled, “Synergizing the Climate Ambition: A Blueprint for Achieving NDCs through Private Sector Engagement in Pakistan”.

    Women Empowerment Awards

    The OICCI organized the 4th Women Empowerment Awards on February 3, 2022. The awards were held largely online and only winners and jury members were invited in person due to rising concerns of COVID.

  • Media Conference to present OICCI Energy Recommendations 2021

    OICCI Vice-President, Ghias Khan and CE/Secretary General, OICCI, M. Abdul Aleem, held an interactive session with the senior media representatives in Islamabad, to unveil the salient features of ‘OICCI Energy Recommendations 2021 on November 11, 2021.

  • “Heroes Leadership Lounge” launch on International Women’s Day

    OICCI arranged an event as part of its celebrations for International Women’s Day and launched the ‘Heroes Leadership Lounge’ that will provide mentoring to women in Pakistan’s workforce. The ‘Heroes Leadership Lounge’ is a mentoring platform that will provide online resources and active counselling for women as a means of empowering them in the work environment.

  • OICCI IPR manual “Evolution of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in Pakistan: OICCI Perspective” launched

    OICCI unveiled its maiden and unique manual on the “Evolution of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in Pakistan: OICCI Perspective” at a ceremony chaired by Mr Mujeeb Khan, Chairman of the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPOP).

    OICCI organizes Women Empowerment Awards 2019

    Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) organized the 2nd OICCI Women Empowerment Awards on December 10, 2019.

    Canada Pakistan Business Council (CPBC) delegation visits the OICCI

    Information and Communications Technology (ICT) delegation, under the aegis of Canada Pakistan Business Council (CPBC), visited OICCI on March 11, 2019, to get the Chambers perspective of ICT related business opportunities in Pakistan and to learn about Digital transformation taking place in Pakistan, with a view to explore synergies between Canada & Pakistan for growth of business between the two countries.

  • Kimihide Ando, OICCI Past President awarded Sitara-E-Pakistan

    Kimihide Ando, Past President of OICCI was conferred the prestigious award of Sitara-E-Pakistan, by the Government of Pakistan in March 23, 2018 Republic Day’s Honors list, for his great services in support of the country and to the cause of Business and Foreign Direct Investment in Pakistan.

    Media Launch of ‘OICCI Recommendations on National Program for Digital Transformation’

    Unveiled the OICCI "Recommendations on National Program for Digital Transformation” report at a media launch with senior journalists in Islamabad on December 20, 2018. The OICCI members shared their international experience and expertise in presenting a concise analysis of the current digital landscape and recommended forward looking specific action plan to fast track Pakistan to a respectable level of digital transformation.

    OICCI Women – CEO Forum

    Under the OICCI Women initiative, the chamber launched a CEO Forum on July 5, 2018 where CEOs and HR heads of selected companies were invited to share their best practices and policies that help gender inclusiveness and diversity at the workplace.

  • IPR Awareness Session in Karachi

    Discussed the importance of recognition of IP Rights for individuals, businesses, societies, and the country.

  • Initiated the production of a report highlighting the contribution of member companies to facilitate the transfer of best practices from companies to all corporate entities in Pakistan.

    The OICCI subcommittee initiated the production of a report highlighting the contribution of member companies to facilitate the transfer of best practices from companies to all corporate entities in Pakistan.

  • Exemptions received from the ministry of finance on 3 provisions of the Trade Organization Rules (TOR) for a period of 3 years. ​

    Exemptions received from the ministry of finance on 3 provisions of the Trade Organization Rules (TOR) for a period of 3 years. ​

  • Members contributed Rs 5.6 billion to relief and reconstruction efforts for the earthquake victims in the norther areas. The first ever OICCI newsletter was published. ​

    Members contributed Rs 5.6 billion to relief and reconstruction efforts for the earthquake victims in the northern areas. The first ever OICCI newsletter was published. ​

  • The chamber’s website was inaugurated in May by Mr. Nisar Memon , the federal Information Minister and a former president of the Chamber.

    The chamber’s website was inaugurated in May by Mr. Nisar Memon , the federal Information Minister and a former president of the Chamber.

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Throughout the years​

  • 2022

    • Pakistan Climate Conference

    • Round Table Dialogue for the launch of OICCI’s whitepaper titled, “Synergizing the Climate Ambition"

    • Women Empowerment Awards

  • 2021

    • Media Conference to present OICCI Energy Recommendations 2021

  • 2020

    • “Heroes Leadership Lounge” launch on International Women’s Day

  • 2019

    • OICCI IPR manual “Evolution of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in Pakistan: OICCI Perspective” launched

    • OICCI organizes Women Empowerment Awards 2019

    • Canada Pakistan Business Council (CPBC) delegation visits the OICCI

  • 2018

    • Kimihide Ando, OICCI Past President awarded Sitara-E-Pakistan

    • Media Launch of ‘OICCI Recommendations on National Program for Digital Transformation’

    • OICCI Women – CEO Forum

  • 2017

    • IPR Awareness Session in Karachi

  • 2009

    • the chamber published an in-depth Perception Survey Report based on responses from member companies providing an insight into the business and economic climate of Pakistan as seen by overseas investors. ​

    • Initiated the production of a report highlighting the contribution of member companies to facilitate the transfer of best practices from companies to all corporate entities in Pakistan.

  • 2007

    • Exemptions received from the ministry of finance on 3 provisions of the Trade Organization Rules (TOR) for a period of 3 years. ​

  • 2005

    • Members contributed Rs 5.6 billion to relief and reconstruction efforts for the earthquake victims in the norther areas. The first ever OICCI newsletter was published. ​

  • 2002

    • The chamber’s website was inaugurated in May by Mr. Nisar Memon , the federal Information Minister and a former president of the Chamber.

Past Presidents

The OICCI has had a long list of esteemed past presidents who have played a significant role in Pakistan's business history. These members have contributed to the development of various sectors, including finance, energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing. Their legacy and accomplishments continue to inspire current and future generations of business leaders in Pakistan.

2022-2023

Ghiasuddin Khan

2021-2022

Irfan Siddiqui

2020-2021 from July onward

Haroon Rashid

2020 till June

Shazad G. Dada

2019-2020

Shazia Syed

2018-2019 from July onward

Irfan Wahab Khan

2018 till June

Bruno Olierhoek

2017-2018

Khalid Mansoor

2016-2017

Shahab Rizvi

2015-2016

Atif Bajwa

2014-2015

Asad S. Jafar

2013-2014

Kimihide Ando

2012 from October onward

Asif Jooma

2012 till September

Humayun Bashir

2011-2012

Naved A. Khan

2010-2011

Ameena Saiyid OBE

2009-2010 from April onward

Farrukh H. Khan

2009 till April

Farhat Ali

2008-2009

Waqar A. Malik

2007-2008

Zubyr Soomro

2006 - 2007

Salman Burney

2005 - 2006

Sohail Wajahad H. Siddiqui

2004 - 2005

Farooq Rahmatullah

2002 - 2003

Kamran Y. Mirza

2003-2004

Zaffar A. Khan

2001 - 2002

Moin M. Fudda

2000 - 2001

Tariq Amin

1999 - 2000

Munnawar Hamid O.B.E

1998 - 99

I. S. Sangster O.B.E.

1997 - 98

S. Naseem Ahmad

1996 - 97

T. V. Higgins O.B.E.

1995 - 96

Tariq Ikram

1994 - 95

Nisar A. Memon

1992

C. T. Dullaert

1992-1994

M Younas Khan

1987 - 89

Naseem S. Mirza

1985-87, 1989 - 92

Dr. M.S. Habib

1983 - 85

D. M. Keith O.B.E.

1980

R. Stokell

1980 – 1983

N.A. Shah

1978 -80

Salman Majidullah

1976-78

W.R.A. Kimber

1975-76

K.Z. Hassan

1974-75

J.H.A. Midwood

1971-74

Masud Karim

1970-71

D. Jongeneel

1966-67

R.A.M Henson

1965-66, 1967-68

J.F.C Gallaher C.B.E, D.F.O, D.F.C

1964-65

I. Habibullah

1963-64

H.C.G. Brown D.S.C.

1962-63

S.R. Stephens

1960-62

W.B. Banks

1960

M.J. Condon C.B.E

1957-58

Mirza A. Raza

1956-57

W.E. Wilkie Borwn

1954-55

B. Fane Saunders C.B.E.

1953-54, 1955-56, 1958-60

T.W. Cree

1951

D.B. Ashworth

1950-51

J.N. Kerr

1947

E.J. Pakes

1947-48

R.I. Coghlan

1946-47, 1948-50, 1951-53

B.R. Graham

1945-46

Lt. Col. W.B. Hossack M.L.A

1944

W.J. Cullen M.B.E

1942-1943

A. T. Orr Deas M.C.

1940-42, 1944-45

J.Humphrey O.B.E.

1939-40, 1943-44

J.H. Blackwell C.B.E, M.C

1933, 1936-38

G.A.J. Richmond

1933-34, 1938-39

R.H. Martin

1933, 1936-38

G.H. Raschen

1931-32, 1934-36

H.S. Bigg - Wither, O.B.E

1929-30

E.A. Pearson

1922-25, 1926-28

F. Clayton C.L.E, M.L.C

1914-78

W.U. Nicholas

1900 -03

D. Mclaver

1890 - 95

James Currie

1919 – 1920

H.G. Jaughton

1904 - 1922

Sir Montague Webb

1900-03

D. Mclver

1899 - 1900

T. L. F. Beaumont

1895 - 99

T. R. Meclellan

1886 - 87

Aug. Thole

1877 - 78, 1882 - 84

James Grant

1870 - 72, 1876 - 77, 1880 - 82, 1884 - 86

Max Denso

1864 - 66

A.E. Denso

1860 - 61

D. Mclever

Past Secretaries

2007 – 2010

Unjela Kaleem Siddiqui

2006 – 2007 

Adnan Afridi

2005 – 2006

Syed Viqar Salahuddin

1991 – 2005 

Zahid Zaheer

1978 – 90 

Salamat R. Rizvi

1966 – 78

P. T. Ensor

1964 – 65 

M. Nazir Mohiyuddin (Acting)

1959 – 64 

A. Eumorfopoulos

1958 – 59

M. Nazir Mohiyuddin (Acting)

1953 – 58

J.S. Lobo

1944 – 53

H. J. Martin, MBE

1943

M. de Melo (Acting)

1932 – 42 

H.M. Gomes (Acting)

1921 – 31

Major Alan Duguid, AFC, MLC

1895 – 1908

C. H. Chetham

1894 – 95

T. L. F. Beaumont

1891 – 93

Col A.C. Cory

1890 – 91

H. E. Fuller(Acting)

1887 – 90

Stephan W. Anderson

1808 – 20

E.L. Rogers

1882 – 87

Harry W. Brooks

1882

G. Y. Portlock

1881 – 82

W. Cooper (Acting)

1870 – 81

G. T. Portlock

1868 - 69

Dan Mclver, Jr.

A. N. de Fleurimont

1860 – 64

W. Nicol