SCCI Seeks Lower Interest Rate To Support Business, Industrial Growth
Published September 16, 2026 | 08:20 PM (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Sep, 2026)
Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Junaid Altaf on Wednesday called for a gradual reduction in the policy rate to support business activity, investment, and industrial growth. He appreciated the State Bank of Pakistan’s efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability.
According to a statement issued by SCCI, a lower interest rate would promote economic and commercial activities and aid businesses in expanding investment and creating employment opportunities.
Altaf proposed bringing the policy rate into single digits, targeting five percent over the next three months, subject to economic conditions. He emphasized that monetary policy should consider prevailing economic factors, particularly cost pressures affecting businesses.
He noted that fuel and energy costs, transportation expenses, supply-chain challenges, and food prices are among the factors contributing to inflation. Altaf urged the government and relevant institutions to take targeted measures to:
- Improve energy efficiency
- Strengthen supply chains
- Ease cost pressures on businesses
The SCCI president also called for tariff rationalization measures for export-oriented and manufacturing sectors to enhance their competitiveness. He proposed expanding dedicated concessional financing schemes to benefit small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to invest, expand operations, and generate employment.
Altaf further sought targeted incentives for industries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to help businesses manage transportation and logistics costs associated with the province’s geographic location. He believed that coordinated measures supporting investment, industrial activity, and business expansion would contribute to sustainable economic growth.