The Center for Independent Private Enterprise (CIPE) sponsored a Roundtable, in collaboration with P@SHA, on May 6 2006 on the “Financial Challenges facing the IT and ITeS industry in Pakistan”. Around 45 – 50 participants took part in the Roundtable discussion. Amongst them were representatives from P@SHA companies from Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, the State Bank of Pakistan, the Ministry of IT&T, SECP, PSEB, the Presidents of the Pakistan Bankers Association, the Pakistan Leasing Association, the Pakistan Modaraba Association and representatives from the banks, private equity funds and other financial organizations. Mr. Tariq Ikram, Minister of State and Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau was the Chief Guest.

Several possible solutions and recommendations came out of the discussions and these will be sent to the government for consideration. P@SHA’s legal advisor Barrister Zahid Jamil pointed out some archaic policy issues that need to be addressed.

Working groups are being formed to take some of the recommendations forward. A draft of the recommendation paper is being made available here so that your comments may be considered for inclusion in the final draft that will be sent to the highest quarters in government. Please send your input to jehan@pasha.org.pk before May 19, 2006.