Mian Zahid Hussain, Chairman Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (Kati), has demanded of the government to reduce the utility tariff and prices of petroleum products.
Appreciating President General Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali and Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz for taking representatives of the business community into confidence in the implementation of economic and investment policies, Zahid asserted that no one could deny the ground reality that without rapid industrialisation, economic stability could not be achieved and 'for this objective, it is but imperative to improve infra-structure in all the existing industrial zones of the country on priority basis'.
He said that the government should allow duty-free import of industrial machinery, which is not made in Pakistan. All this would encourage local and foreign investment in the country and make Pakistani products competitive in the world markets, he said.
Mian Zahid Hussain has also expressed gratitude to Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Chief Minister Sardar Ali Mohammad Khan Mehar and Chief Secretary Sindh Dr Mutawakil Kazi, for issuing a notification constituting two committees for creating conducive atmosphere for the business community in the province.
The first committee would comprise all chairmen of industrial associations of Karachi, which would make proposals to improve infrastructure and provide other facilities within the industrial areas.
The other committee, comprising the present and the past presidents of the FPCCI and KCCI, would make recommendations/suggestions for redressing grievances of the business community and creating a conducive atmosphere for domestic and foreign investment in Sindh.