November 28, 2023 (MLN): The Business Confidence Index (BCI) has improved by 7% compared to the previous wave in March-April 2023, as per the latest survey by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI).
The survey paints a nuanced picture of business sentiments with the overall business confidence in Pakistan standing at negative 18%, marking a positive shift from the negative 25% recorded earlier.
The largest increase was recorded in the manufacturing sector at negative 10% (negative 19% previously), followed by the services sector at negative 18% (negative 26% previously).
The retail & wholesale sector though still least confident, has seen an improvement at negative 31% compared to negative 35% in the last survey.
Despite the positive momentum, over three-quarters of respondents expressed concern that the current economic situation could adversely affect their businesses.
The top three threats identified were rising inflation, high taxation and PKR devaluation – concerns consistent with the previous wave.
President OICCI Amir Paracha attributed the improvement in business confidence to relatively stable macroeconomic indicators, favorable changes in the political and economic landscape which was also supported by some stability in FX rates and a record performance at Pakistan Stock Exchange.
Key parameters contributing to the positive trend include Capital Investment and the outlook for Pakistan's business situation in the next six months.
OICCI's BCI, a comprehensive survey conducted periodically across nine cities, gathered feedback from frontline business stakeholders.
The survey encompasses regional, national, sectorial, and business entity levels, with business stakeholders representing almost 80% of the GDP.
Notably, the Wave 24 sample included 43% of respondents from the manufacturing sector, 34% from the services sector, and 23% from the retail/wholesale trade.
Surveyed respondents expressed their outlook with 41% having a negative perspective on Pakistan’s business situation in the next six months (9% less than those in Wave 23).
Looking ahead, 36% of respondents were optimistic about the next six months.
The BCI of randomly selected OICCI members, representing foreign investors, stood at a positive 3%, a significant improvement from the negative 19% in the previous wave. OICCI members' confidence surpasses that of non-members, which has been a trend for a long period.
OICCI CE/Secretary General M Abdul Aleem expressed that “while challenges persist, the overall trend indicates a resilient business community anticipating improvements in the coming months.”
“Foreign investors, as represented by OICCI members, have expressed hope that the authorities will soon take control of anomalies including undue price controls, streamline taxation regime, which collectively is reflected in a particularly positive outlook, contributing to the overall upward trajectory in business confidence,” he added.
Exploring the future business outlook in Wave 24, new orders remain in negative territory but the confidence index for expansion plans improved by 2%, indicating a decreased wariness among businesses.
Expectations for a decrease in employment opportunities improved by 2%, suggesting a more positive outlook for the business environment.
Capital investment plans showed a significant improvement of 22%, contributing to the overall positive trend in business confidence.
Copyright Mettis Link News
Posted on: 2023-11-28T15:09:39+05:00
