Islamabad: On the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a high-level committee was informed to address the problems and challenges faced by the business sector.
The participants included top exporters, business leaders, Director General of Special Investment Facilitation Board (SIFC), Major General Tabassum Habib and several representatives of FBR, finance, industry, maritime and information technology.
The meeting discussed creating effective solutions through direct engagement with stakeholders and relevant government agencies on issues reported from time to time with the Chamber of Commerce, Pakistan Business Council (PBC), business groups and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). .
Minister Jam Kamal Khan said senior officials were needed to ensure effective decision-making.
Exporters and business representatives expressed their concerns, which have been directed to the relevant department for immediate response, requiring a response within 24 hours.
Key issues include liquidity challenges, high operating costs, Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS), tax relief, industry status recognition and better governance of the Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA). Participants also noted the lack of regulatory agencies for shipping companies, tariff rationalization, lack of infrastructure and security issues.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to a conducive business environment and said that Prime Minister Sharif’s meeting with business leaders in Karachi focused on improving the economy through exports.
In the meeting, problems and issues identified are given instructions to relevant departments for action or discussion.
