The American Business Council of Pakistan (ABC) has been functioning as a Chamber of Commerce & Industry of the American businesses in Pakistan since February 1984. It is affiliated with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI). It is also a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC), Washington and has working relationship with the U.S.-Pakistan Business Council, an integral component of the South Asia Affairs Department of the USCC. Also a member of the Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC).
The ABC has the distinction of being the largest group of single country investors in Pakistan. It acts as a catalyst to promote U.S. investment in the country.
Membership
Healthcare
Financial Services
Energy
Oil & Gas
Information Technology
Engineering
Chemical & Fertilizer
Food & Beverage
Textile & Others
Contribution To Pakistan's Economy
The U.S. investment plays a positive role in socio-economic development of Pakistan. For instance, according to 2002 Survey conducted among members only), following figures would be of interest :
Contribution to National Exchequer by way of direct and indirect taxes
Over Rs. 34.5 billion Approx 9% of the total collected taxes
Persons Employed
About 20,000
Exports
Rs. 5.2 billion
Capital
Rs 51 billion ($ 900 M)
Besides adherence to the highest quality standards, the U.S. investment has brought about transfer of sophisticated technology to Pakistan, which is updated on an ongoing basis.
MNCs Views On Business Environment In Pakistan
American Business Council (ABC)
American Business Council of Pakistan (ABC) a Formal Association of American multinationals operating in Pakistan, conducts in-formal business survey annually to assess how their members view investment climate in Pakistan. Most recent survey was completed in November 2002 and the feed back is promising. The results are:-
95% indicated that the ABC's suggestions were partly incorporated by the Government during last year.
85% of respondents indicated improvement in Pakistan's overall prospects while 73% indicated improvement in Domestic Economy.
83% reported increase in their revenues in Rupees while 78% in US$ terms.
79% observed that the policies were more consistent than before while 68% felt that the Government was positively impacting business.
75% indicated increase in their pre-tax profits.
63% indicated improvement in implementation of policies by the Government.
59% respondents reported planning investments in Pakistan.
Based on their dealings, most of the responding members indicated that working of the Government departments had generally improved.
