GCCI Accelerates Industrial Growth Through Strategic Development and International Collaboration | Investment Hub | AHMED SHAHAB

The Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry is accelerating regional economic growth through the Dry Port project, international trade partnerships, industrial infrastructure, and government collaboration, positioning Gujranwala as a globally competitive manufacturing, export, and investment hub.

The Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry has taken significant steps toward transforming the industrial and commercial landscape of the region through a series of strategic initiatives, high level government engagements, and international collaborations. Under the leadership of President Muhammad Ali Humayun Butt, GCCI continues to strengthen its commitment to creating new opportunities for exporters, industrialists, and entrepreneurs while promoting Gujranwala as one of Pakistan’s leading industrial hubs.

One of the most significant milestones achieved by GCCI is the successful advancement of the Gujranwala Dry Port Project into its implementation phase. President Muhammad Ali Humayun Butt, accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Shabbir Hussain Butt and representatives from the consultant agency Berkeley, conducted a detailed visit to the finalized project site. During the visit, the Revenue Department presented complete land documentation confirming that all major stages, including land identification, allocation, and final approval, had been successfully completed. With the site now officially finalized, President Butt announced that practical work on this landmark project would begin shortly.

The establishment of the Gujranwala Dry Port is expected to become a game changer for the region’s business community. The project will provide exporters and manufacturers with modern logistics and customs facilities within the city, significantly reducing transportation costs and improving the efficiency of export operations. It will also strengthen Gujranwala’s competitiveness in both domestic and international markets while supporting the long term growth of the industrial sector.

GCCI also welcomed Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Punjab for Price Control and Commodities Management, Ms. Salma Butt, during her visit to the Chamber. She was accompanied by Commissioner Naveed Haider Shirazi, Member of the Provincial Assembly Umer Farooq Dar, and senior government officials. The delegation was warmly received by President Muhammad Ali Humayun Butt, Senior Vice President Saad Jamil Irfani, Vice President Faisal Sattar Mughal, and members of the Chamber.

During the meeting, Ms. Salma Butt highlighted Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision for improving the business environment through effective governance, stronger implementation of the Consumer Protection Act 2005, and close cooperation between the government and the business community. President Humayun Butt appreciated the government’s support and announced the establishment of the upcoming Women Chamber of Commerce, a major initiative aimed at promoting women entrepreneurship, economic inclusion, and greater participation of women in business and industry across the region.

Strengthening international trade relations has remained one of GCCI’s top priorities. In this regard, the Chamber hosted His Excellency Yerzhan Kistafin, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan. The Ambassador was warmly welcomed by President Muhammad Ali Humayun Butt, Senior Vice President Saad Jamil Irfani, Vice President Faisal Sattar Mughal, and senior members of the Chamber.

During the meeting, President Butt emphasized the enormous potential for expanding bilateral trade between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. He invited a business delegation from Kazakhstan to participate in the upcoming Made in Gujranwala Expo, which will be held next April. Ambassador Kistafin praised the hospitality of GCCI and announced several facilitation measures for the business community, including easier electronic visa facilities for traders. He also invited GCCI members to participate in an international exhibition in Kazakhstan, offering free shipment support for exhibitors. The Ambassador highlighted promising opportunities in Kazakhstan’s steel, sanitary ware, manufacturing, and export sectors, expressing confidence that stronger cooperation would benefit businesses in both countries.

GCCI further expanded its international outreach by hosting a distinguished delegation from Turkiye led by Consul General Mehmet Ayman Şimşek along with Commercial Attache Nureddin Demir. The Turkish delegation was welcomed by President Muhammad Ali Humayun Butt, Senior Vice President Saad Jamil Irfani, Vice President Faisal Sattar Mughal, and senior members of the Chamber.

The discussions focused on strengthening the long standing brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye by promoting greater economic cooperation. President Butt highlighted the importance of trade delegations, business to business networking, industrial exhibitions, technology transfer, joint ventures, and investment partnerships to increase exports and industrial development. The Turkish Consul General reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to raising bilateral trade to five billion United States dollars through improved trade agreements, enhanced logistics, and greater customs facilitation. Senior Vice President Saad Jamil Irfani also informed the delegation that the upcoming Made in Gujranwala Exhibition in Karachi would offer Turkish companies an excellent platform to explore the industrial capabilities and manufacturing potential of Gujranwala.

In another major initiative aimed at transforming the region’s industrial future, President Muhammad Ali Humayun Butt led a high level delegation to inspect seven potential locations for three landmark development projects. Accompanied by Executive Member and former Senior Vice President Humais Gulzar, the survey was conducted in collaboration with the Urban Unit under the special directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

The proposed projects include the development of a modern Dry Port, an International Expo Center, and a Metal Processing Zone. During the survey, the delegation carefully evaluated each site’s technical suitability, infrastructure, connectivity, and development potential to ensure that these projects meet international standards. Once completed, these facilities are expected to reduce logistics costs, improve industrial productivity, attract investment, encourage technology transfer, and provide a global platform for promoting Made in Gujranwala products across international markets.

The delegation also met Deputy Commissioner Naveed Ahmad and Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Tayyab Hayat, who reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s full support for these strategic initiatives. Their commitment reflects the government’s vision of accelerating industrial development, strengthening exports, generating employment opportunities, and enhancing the overall economic prosperity of Gujranwala and the province.

Through visionary leadership, strong public private collaboration, and expanding international partnerships, the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry is laying the foundation for a more competitive, modern, and globally connected industrial economy. These initiatives demonstrate GCCI’s determination to create sustainable growth, facilitate business expansion, and position Gujranwala as a leading center of manufacturing, trade, innovation, and investment for Pakistan and beyond.