Federal Minister for Information and Media Development Rashid Ahmed has advised trade bodies to prepare their own master plans for the progress and prosperity of industries, exports and trade. Addressing members of Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (Kati) on Saturday, he said that the government is committed to facilitate business community and would ensure every possible assistance and incentive to them.
The Minster also advised trade bodies to have their camp offices in Islamabad for frequent interaction with ministers and government officials to get their problems resolved earlier.
He said that the new Prime Minister has a vision to develop this country; he is from economic side and has plans to boost the country's economic stability.
The minister advised business community to produce goods at the same price at which India is producing. "Pakistan has to produce bicycle, car, cloth etc on same price at which India is producing them to remain in the market after implementation of WTO rules and regulations," he asserted.
The minister noted that Pakistan's forex reserves have gone up to more than 12 billion dollars but the common men are asking what is there for them. They want jobs, food and clothes at affordable price.
He noted that exports of Finland, which is very small country, touched 24 billion dollars, while Malaysia has achieved the export target of 100 billion dollars. He asked the business community why Pakistan exports were not picking up although the country have all basic infrastructure like water, raw material, intelligent work force etc. "But exports are not picking up due to lack of business community's vision to increase exports," he said.
Sh Rashid said that now the government can not provide jobs in public sector; it is the responsibility of the private sector to come forward, make investment and create jobs.
He advised business community to come out of their traditional businesses, start thinking how to grow, add new products, explore ways of marking products, increasing marketability of their products as well as penetrating export markets.
The minister said that he is ready to arrange a business community meeting with President of Pakistan on his return from USA. The President is willing to discuss business problems and trying to resolve their problems.
He said that the business community should have their own TV channels to develop the country's image, propagate their products, highlight their problems and suggest solutions.
He said that foreign media are convinced that this country has potential to rise in the world. It is up to business community to improve its image abroad.
The minister noted that Pakistan's future is no more in the hands of politicians but in the hands of business community.
Speaking on the occasion, Tariq Sayeed said that economic condition of the country has improved considerably but its benefits are not reaching the general public. He emphasised the need for activating regional bodies to boost trade activities.
Welcoming the guests, Zahid Hussain, Chairman, Kati, sought the help of the minister to lift sanctions on gas connection for power generating for industrial units.
He said that at present the government only allows gas connection for power generation to those industrial units which are 100 percent exporting their products.
He said that the city was facing acute power shortage and industrial production suffers due to sanctions on gas connection for power generation.
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