Khalid Sibtain
Islamabad: President Dr Arif Alvi has emphasized the business community to play their role in encouraging businessmen to pay all taxes which would help in reducing the trade deficit and allocation of more funds for the development projects. He said that the present government was committed to provide a competitive and fair business environment to the business community, adding that a historic stimulus package of Rs. 1.2 Trillion was given as economic relief to the business community and poor strata of the society during the Pandemic. The President made these remarks in a meeting with the business community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Governor’s House, today. The meeting was attended by Governor KP, Mr. Shah Farman, former President FPCCI, Mr. Ghazanfar Bilour, President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI), Mr. Sherbaz Ilyeas Ghazanfar and other office bearers of the Chamber. The business community appreciated Government’s steps during the Pandemic for protection of businesses in Pakistan. They also admired steps being taken for the promotion of regional trade. They also briefed the President on the economic benefits and potentials of trade with Central Asian States via Karachi & Gwadar sea ports. The President underscored the need for utilizing the trade potential and opportunities available in the Tourism and IT sectors. He urged the business community to establish better communication with the government and provide their input for pro-business initiatives. He said that the country had favourable business environment for the investors and ease of doing business reforms were steps in this direction. The President also said that peace in Afghanistan would help the regional trade and the province of KP would be the first to receive the benefits of Afghan peace.
