People belonging to various walks of life, including business community, have hailed the federal budget and termed it a growth-oriented and business-friendly.
They said that ample attempts have been made to reduce the burden not only of the business community but also of the common man.
Talking to Business Recorder on Monday evening here, provincial Industries Minister Muhammad Ajmal Cheema said: "The budget is business-friendly and the set growth target of 8 percent would be attained." He said that cut in power tariff for the industrial sector would play an instrumental role in bringing the cost of production and business community would be able to compete the world market quite easily.
Similarly, the government had adopted drastic measures for providing relief to the growers as well as for the promotion of farm sector of the country and such practical steps had been taken for the first time in the history of the country, he remarked.
Commenting on the budget provincial Forest Minister Dr Ashfaqur Rehman said: "Industrial development is dependent on agriculture for its raw materials and markets therefore, the future industrialisation is deeply linked with the modernisation of farm."
Keeping in view the concessions and incentives as announced in the budget the business community would avail the golden opportunities and would make positive efforts for investing in the country, he said.
Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, member of the National Assembly, lauded the efforts of the present government for presenting people's-friendly budget. The MNA said that the budget would surely open an era of economic and industrial development, which is the dire need at this juncture.
President General Pervez Musharraf had already announced a special package for the promotion of agriculture in the country and under the package, farmers would be able to avail maximum concessions and incentives and feel a sigh of relief, Dr Firdous said.