Yousaf Hussain, President and CEO of Faysal Bank Ltd, has been elected as the new president of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) for the 2024-2026 term. The announcement was made during the Chamber’s Extraordinary General Meeting held on Monday.
In addition to Hussain’s appointment, Jason Avancena, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Pakistan Ltd, was elected Senior Vice President, while Syed Ali Akbar, Managing Director and CEO of Pakistan Tobacco Company (Pvt) Ltd, will serve as Vice President. The new Managing Committee includes prominent leaders from key sectors such as banking, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing, reinforcing OICCI’s role as a leading voice in Pakistan’s economic development.
The newly elected Managing Committee comprises:
- Yousaf Hussain, Faysal Bank Ltd.
- Jason Avancena, Nestlé Pakistan Ltd.
- Syed Ali Akbar, Pakistan Tobacco Company (Pvt) Ltd.
- Aamir Hafeez Ibrahim, Pakistan Mobile Communications Ltd. (Jazz)
- Ahmed Khan Bozai, Citibank NA, Pakistan
- Asif Ahmad, IBM Italia SPA
- Farheen Salman Amir, Lipton Pakistan Ltd.
- Fahd K. Chinoy, Pakistan Cables Ltd.
- Hafsa Shamsie, Roche Pakistan Ltd.
- Javed Ghulam Mohammad, Martin Dow Marker Ltd.
- M. Adil Khattak, Attock Refinery Ltd.
- Muhammad Jawaid Iqbal, United Bank Ltd.
The leadership team is expected to focus on shaping investment policies and fostering an investment-friendly climate in Pakistan. Their collective experience spans multiple industries, solidifying OICCI’s position as a key player in driving economic reforms and growth.
During his address to OICCI members, Yousaf Hussain acknowledged Pakistan’s complex economic environment and the opportunities within. He stated, “Pakistan stands at a pivotal moment. Although inflation is easing and there are signs of GDP recovery, structural challenges persist. However, these hurdles also present opportunities for meaningful reforms, driving innovation, and fostering an environment conducive to sustainable development.”
Outgoing president Rehan Shaikh, who will continue as an ex-officio member of the Managing Committee, highlighted the Chamber’s role in promoting Pakistan as an investment destination. He noted that during the 2023-2024 term, OICCI actively engaged with foreign delegations, showcasing Pakistan’s potential for growth and positioning it as an attractive market for foreign direct investment (FDI). “Our efforts have been centred on unlocking Pakistan’s future economic prospects,” Shaikh remarked.
Yousaf Hussain, with over 25 years of professional experience, has held leadership roles in multinational organisations and the banking sector. He has worked closely with the State Bank of Pakistan, positioning himself as a key figure in discussions on economic reform and policy direction. His expertise is expected to steer OICCI’s strategic initiatives during this crucial period for Pakistan’s economy.
