KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for formulating a comprehensive export policy in consultation with all stakeholders.
The prime minister, addressing Karachi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Export Trophy Award Ceremony at a local hotel, said the government was keen to revive national economy through investment facilitation and business-friendly policies.
He assured that the present government would make every effort to facilitate the exporters, traders, industrialists and businessmen.
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He said the government would miss no opportunity for economic recovery, restoration of confidence of international partners, investors and the business community.
He acknowledged that the business community did not only provide employment opportunities in the country but also becomes a source of foreign exchange by enhancing exports.
He said his government’s term was about to end by next month and the upcoming interim government would also surely be facilitated business community.
He also appreciated the contribution of exporters and industrialists for country’s economy and said that despite difficulties, they made relentless efforts to increase exports.
The prime minister observed that when compared with the neighbouring countries with regard to booming industries and exports, they still lagged behind in this race.
Enumerating various factors of the past, he said they required very serious deliberations to evaluate the factors including the successes, failures of the past governments and lack of modern techniques, and issues faced by the industrial sector etc.
“With mere blame-game, they will not get anything concrete as it would only cause damage and result in wastage of time. There should be a frank discussion as to how the challenges faced by the industry can be mitigated by the government by facilitating them,” he added.
The prime minister viewed the price of power and gas as vital factors behind the industrial development.
He said the country was blessed with natural resources, saying this year, the country would produce a bumper crop as according to estimates, the cotton production could reach up to 10 million bales.
“Pakistan is blessed with natural resources and brilliant minds, but it cannot get place among the comity of nations if they keep on promoting rental businesses,” he said and stressed upon increase in production and setting up industries, that would take the country on path of rapid progress.
The prime minister expressed the optimism that with restructuring, collective hard work and the government’s sincere efforts, they would be able to put the country on track of progress and prosperity.
He also hoped that the Interim government and the upcoming government would take these initiatives forward.
The prime minister also emphasised upon resolution of supply of water for Karachi and said that the federal and provincial governments were making efforts in this regard.
He felicitated the trade community and exporters for showing success in the export sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori said the government-business community strain should come to an end by joining heads to address the issues.
He said the concerted efforts were a must to resolve the economic woes of the country.
He lauded the prime minister’s efforts for the economic revival and called for addressing the problems faced by the business community.
Chief Executive of TDAP, Zubair Motiwala, in his presentation, appreciated the govt’s endeavors for economic reforms and devising long-term plans for agriculture, IT and mining.
Highlighting the energy issues, he said owing to gas supply suspension, Karachi’s industry remained closed every Saturday and Sunday.
He said Karachi contributed 52% of country’s exports but the power price was hurting the industry and could cause closures and unemployment. Instead of raising the tariff, the issues of line and transmission losses should be done away with, besides reviewing the free power supply facility to the officials.
He also called for evolving a consensus on the charter of economy, cutting down expenditures and enhancing local production.
He also suggested to placing the industry on top in the gas supply priority list and giving cold chains an industrial status.
KCCI President Tariq Yousuf said the event was to recognize the contribution of the exporters who played a major role in the country’s economic development.
He said with around 50,000 members, the KCCI was the largest voice of the business community.
He told the gathering that despite difficulties and challenges, Karachi was the major contributor to taxation and GDP.
He said economic and political instability had shattered the confidence of the customers, so efforts should be made to keep the industry running through remedial measures particularly, by reducing the power tariff.
The KCCI president also called for a mechanism to ease the LC’s opening, reducing the interest rate and introducing a contactless taxation system.
Earlier, the prime minister gave away prizes and medals among the prominent exporters.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2023