SIALKOT: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Dr Reza Baqir on Sunday said that the local business community should be hailed for building an international standard airport on self-help basis which had improved the country’s image.
He was addressing a function held in his honour after visiting Sialkot International Airport. Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) Chairman Mian Naeem Javed presided over the function while concerned officials were also present on the occasion.
Dr Baqir said that if the business community could make an international standard airport, then they could establish a bank for Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) too.
He promised to set up a National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) booth at the airport and abolish the requirement of signatures of all directors for opening a SIAL account in any bank.
Further, Mian Naeem Javed highlighted the problems faced by SIAL and requested the SBP governor to mention the achievements of Sialkot’s business community in the country and abroad whenever he gets the opportunity.
He also demanded Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan to grant a three-year tax exemption to SIAL to offset the financial loss caused by Covid-19 in addition to giving Sialkot the status of an export zone.
