FPCCI delegation calls on President Dr Arif Alvi

Lahore :President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi said the government was aware of the problems being faced by the trade and industrial sectors, and was undertaking every possible measure to provide a level playing field to the business community.

Talking to a delegation of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Office Lahore led by Engr. Daroo Khan Achakzai, President FPCCI and Abdul Rauf Mukhtar, Regional Chairman FPCCI Punjab here at President House Islamabad, the president appreciated the role being played by the private sector, particularly the FPCCI, in the country’s economic development, a President House statement said. He said at present, tough economic conditions called for taking difficult decisions but the government was committed to improve the economy.

He emphasized that it was an important component of the government’s strategy to reduce trade deficit by curbing import of non-essential and luxury items.

The government was also striving to reduce the cost of doing business by ensuring supply of gas at concessional tariff for export-oriented industry, he added.

Moreover, he pointed out that the government had introduced sales tax zero-rating regime for five export-oriented sectors, i.e., textile, leather, carpets, surgical and sports goods.

The president underscored that the FPCCI needed to play an active role in encouraging the business community to pay all their taxes so that budget deficit was reduced and more funds could be allocated for development works.

He said the FPCCI being the only chamber representing all trade bodies of Pakistan might persuade their members to follow and adhere to the trade laws.

Only the combined wisdom of public and private sectors could pave the way for a prosperous Pakistan, he added.

Engr. Daroo Khan Achakzai, President FPCCI said that government should establish a communication channel where FPCCI being the highest and apex body can help policies to formulate business friendly rules and regulations. This in turn can create a business ecosystem which will promote ease of doing business and open new avenues for our youth to have an entrepreneurial mindset.

Mr. Abdul Rauf Mukhtar, Regional Chairman FPCCI said that It is high time to encourage local industry and reduce imports to give a new direction to the national economy for stability, subsequent growth and progress. To pursue a policy of promoting local industries which will provide jobs and export products and to discourage import of finished products