Welcoming the government's decision to ease lockdown by allowing the opening of small markets, shops and allied industries of construction sector across the country, the representatives of business community said on Friday that the decision would reduce the financial issues of the shopkeepers and small traders.
They, however, urged the government to also allow businesses at shopping malls and mega departmental stores.
The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, Senior Vice President Ali Hussam Asghar and Vice President Mian Zahid Jawaid Ahmad said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken wise decision, as recession in trade and industry was at its peak and the businessmen were facing severe financial crunch due to lockdown and halt in trade and economic activities. "Shopping malls and mega departmental stores should also be allowed to open their businesses for limited timings with SOPs," they said.
They maintained that business community is the backbone of the economy and playing lead role in providing employment to the people and revenue to the government. They, however, appealed to the masses to follow the SOPs announced by the government as controlling the spread of Covid-19 is joint responsibility of all segments of society.
Moreover, Prime Minister Imran Khan has appointed Chairman Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company (FIEDMC) Mian Kashif as special representative for "Coronavirus Relief Fund drive."
According to a notification issued on Friday, Mian Kashif will be responsible for proposing measures to encourage the people and businesses to increase contributions to the Prime Minister's Coronavirus Relief Fund. He will keep the prime minister updated about the fund collection drive. He will also interact with all stakeholders to make the drive successful, and identify issues related to the drive and propose remedial measures.
On the other hand, Chairman United Business Group (UBG) Iftikhar Ali Malik has sought proposals for budget 2020-21 from representatives of business community.
Malik told a delegation of importers and exporters that Pakistan is passing through ordeal due to coronavirus pandemic and at this point of time, business community should come forward with proposals which can help the government to revive the economy.
"The private sector wants to supplement the government's efforts aimed at economic revival of the country," he said, adding: "Joint proposals will help make budget document business-friendly, which would ultimately result in a robust export-led growth."