LAHORE: Presidents of all chambers of commerce and industry on Monday called for levying tax on agricultural income across the country to broaden the tax base, and construction of water reservoirs on top priority to meet the ever increasing energy needs of the country.
They also called for continuity in democratic set-up for a sustained economic growth, which would help meet the economic challenges facing the country.
The chambers’ presidents at a meeting held here with Chairman United Business Group (UBG) and Vice President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iftikhar Ali Malik in the chair, urged the leadership of all political parties to help strengthen democratic system in the larger national interest as political stability was essential for economic development and restoring confidence of foreign and local investors.
They said that in future, only those countries would survive which had a strong economic base. Foreign investment from multi-national companies and private sectors would only pour into the country if democratic institutions are strengthened and a peaceful atmosphere was prevailed, they added.
According to the meeting’s unanimous decisions, the chambers chiefs from all over the country suggested that a workable mechanism be devised among regions and stakeholders to review and reach a political consensus for the construction of new water reservoirs and dams on war-footings.
The government must evolve a long-term economic policy with complete legislative cover for bringing economic revolution in the country and exploiting indigenous natural resources, they observed.
Regarding women enterprise, the chambers chiefs suggested that separate SMEs policy for women entrepreneurs should also be evolved to enable women to play their vital role in nation building.
The chambers chiefs also reposed full confidence in the leadership of patron-in-chief of United Business Group (UBG) and Chief Executive Trade Development Authority Pakistan S.M.Mumnir, President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Muhammad Adrees and VP SAARC CCI, Pakistan Chapter and veteran trade leader Iftikhar Ali Malik.
