Provincial Minister for Industry and Commerce Rauf Siddiqui has urged business community to make investment in the country and establish new industrial units so that more employment opportunities could be generated.
Speaking at a meeting of Citizens Social Forum, he noted that nations face many challenges and up and downs but the should have meet the challenges bravely and courageously for better future of their coming generations. Referring to nuclear test of Pakistan in 1998 he said at that time many countries imposed sanctions on Pakistan and foreign accounts were frozen.
But the nation faced these challenges bravely and now all the sanctions lifted, he added. He said that Pakistan is now a front line country in war against terrorism. Expressing concerns over the reports of outflow capital from Pakistan, the minister said, "this is our country and we must face challenges bravely and work for improving conditions rather than running way".
Life member of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and FPCCI, Sheikh Manzar Alam expressed concerns over increase of mark-up rates by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and said that it would adversely affect industries and trade. He said that the trade gap is swelling and exports are declining, adding these issues need quick attention of the government.
He emphasised on the need of preparing long term policies for boosting economic activities in the country. Former President FPCCI S.M.Munir said that the country facing a number of serious problems besides restoration of judges. He said that the forthcoming budget should be tax free.
President PIPF Khalid Tawab said that the country is facing very serious challenges. Although budget has yet to be announced the prices of almost all products are on the rise. He urged the government to announce a relief package for low and middle-income peoples in the budget.