Uzair talks to M. Abdul Aleem about the role of foreign investment in Pakistan’s economy and the key reforms that foreign investors would like to see in the country. We also talked about what leading executives look for in emerging talent, and the key pain points faced by foreign investors in Pakistan.

Mr. Muhammad Abdul Aleem is the CEO and Secretary General of Overseas Investors Chambers of Commerce & Industry (OICCI). OICCI is the oldest (since 1860) chamber of commerce in Asia.

OICCI’s members comprising of 210 foreign investors collectively contribute about one third of the total tax revenue of Pakistan besides being the leader in transfer of technology and investment.

Mr Abdul Aleem has worked in senior positions in both Exxon Chemicals and Engro Corporation, serving in Pakistan and Singapore. Thereafter, he worked with British American Tobacco Group UK (BAT) in Pakistan and overseas, where he ultimately served as CEO of BAT Operations in Cambodia, Mauritius, and Indian Ocean territory. Since 2004, he has served in senior positions with large Government-owned organizations in Pakistan and his last assignment was as the Managing Director, Pakistan State Oil Company Ltd.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

4:30 The role of foreign investors

13:30 Key issues and solutions for the economy

22:20 Why are investors kept away from policymaking?

26:40 Key traits for emerging talent

33:25 Learning from failure

36:40 Reform priorities

42:40 Judicial reforms

46:05 Reading recommendations

Reading Recommendations:

- CEO Excellence by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller, and Vikram Malhotra

- Prosperity: Better Business Makes the Greater Good by Colin Mayer