PESHAWAR: Stakeholders discussed key issues hampering local trade and exports from Peshawar at a Public Private Dialogue (PPD) organised by the Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA) in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA).
The event was a part of the PPD initiative launched by the CGPA. The session was aimed at gathering inputs on the issues faced by the business community of Peshawar and to discuss the possible solutions with concerned government officials through the initiative.
This was the seventh PPD event; the series of meetings will conclude with the formulation of recommendations for developing a conducive business and economic environment in Peshawar.
Entrepreneurs from Peshawar engaged in trading as well as exports, members of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Women Chamber of Commerce, marble association, mining association, furniture association, and officials from the Pakistan Customs, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, SMEDA, and the Pakistan Hunting and Sporting Arms Development Company participated in the session.
According to the speakers, the importance of SMEs, local businesses and exports is well proven in any given economy across the globe. However, an improvised ecosystem remains the foundation to achieve desired results.
Unfortunately, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was affected adversely by terrorism during the war in Afghanistan. Consequently, the business ecosystem got weakened, dismaying the business community.
In view of the recent geopolitical changes in the region, Peshawar may become part of a key trade route, holding enormous potential for becoming the hub of economic activities for Pak-Afghan trade and trade with Central Asian Republics (CARs), said the speakers.
However, there is a dire need to address the problems hampering efforts by the local business community to exploit fully the business and export opportunities available.
Addressing the participants of the dialogue, Peshawar Mayor Haji Zubair Ali said that the Capital Metropolitan Government is ready to facilitate the business community to boost economic activities in the city.
He said the government is developing new business projects to accommodate the future needs of the industry. “We are open to new ideas from our business community.”
He said that due to increase in its population, Peshawar is facing congestion issues. Also, the prices of commercial properties are increasing, which has contributed to a hike in cost of doing business.
In such a scenario, economies of scale and staying competitive become next to impossible for any business. Industrial state lands must not be appraised like residential area lands.
Mr Ali also acknowledged the importance of SMEs in creating jobs, which is a prime concern for any government. He added that it’s important for a new business to get registered so that it may avail the opportunities available to grow. He praised the CGPA for organising an important consultative session.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2022
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