By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: Akram Wali Muhammad, Managing Director of Gerry’s Group visited the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) and held meeting with its members under the Chairmanship of Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig Senior Vice President; FPCCI, S.M Munner, Former Chief Executive of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Former President FPCCI; Noor Ahmed Khan, Arshad Jamal, Vice Presidents FPCCI, Syed Mazhar Ali Nasir, Immediate past Senior Vice President FPCCI, Shakil Dhingra, Former Vice President FPCCI etc. were also present on the occasion.
“FPCCI and Gerry will sign an MoU to facilitate business community with respect to the visa and other cargo facilities.” This was decided in the meeting during visit of Akram Wali Muhammad MD of Gerry’s Group to FPCCI Karachi Head office.
In his welcome address Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Senior Vice President FPCCI identifying the problems and issues being faced by the business community – who travels frequently abroad to procure business – in processing and completion of their visa applications proposed that Gerry’s website should also include the information on the list of documents required; discrimination with Karachities as compared to Lahore in processing of Visa requirements; the issuance of banks statement to frequent travelers for filing of income tax returns, provision of one window facility for processing and completion of all visa formalities etc.
Mr. Akram Wali Muhammad, Managing Director, Gerry’s Group in his multi-media presentation highlighted the salient features of his company and said, “Gerry has most advanced import cargo facility at Karachi which is a mini model village of Dubai”. In response to Mr. S.M. Muneer’s proposal, the Gerry’s M.D. agreed to establish “Help Desk” at FPCCI in submission and processing all commercial visas to its members, expeditiously. In response to another query from S.M. Muneer regarding issuance of long term medical tourist visa of China, Akram Waliullah clarified that although it was not under his domain but he would take-up this issue with the Chinese Consulate and try his level best for issuance of Visa till the complete recovery of medical treatment on the advice of Doctor. In question answer session he, in principal, agreed to provide the air-cargo services at airports provided the customs also initiate non-stop operation at Airport. Regarding cumbersome visa application forms, which require a plethora of information, the Gerry’s Managing Director agreed to simplify them.
“FPCCI and Gerry will sign an MoU to facilitate business community with respect to the visa and other cargo facilities.” This was decided in the meeting during visit of Akram Wali Muhammad MD of Gerry’s Group to FPCCI Karachi Head office.
