ISLAMABAD: Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana, Governor Punjab has said that CPEC project was a game changer for Pakistan and would not affect the local industry. He said Chinese authorities have assured they were interested in joint ventures with Pakistan in CPEC projects and this arrangement would enable local industry to flourish. He said this while addressing business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He said there was a need to provide vocational trainings and skills development of youth to produce skilled labor for CPEC projects and reduce unemployment.
He said business community was the backbone of the economy and government would take measures to create conducive environment for business activities. He said all economic indicators were showing positive trend that have been recognized at international forums. He said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has offered Kissan package and incentive package for exporters and added that government wanted to take further initiatives to facilitate the growth of business activities.
He said ICCI should send a written proposal and he would take up it with relevant authorities for the establishment of a new industrial estate in Islamabad Region. He said FBR should take measures to minimize the trust deficit between tax collectors and taxpayers. He assured that he would take up the highlighted issues of the business community with concerned departments for remedial measures.
Speaking at the occasion, Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that few years ago, CDA had started to acquire land in Sector I-17 for new industrial estate, but due to lack of funds, the project could not materialize. He said Punjab Government should plan an industrial estate in Islamabad Region under CPEC project as this region offered great potential to promote trade with China, Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. He was of the opinion that new industrial estate in Islamabad would help in creating more jobs, promoting industrialization and business activities in the region.
He said ICCI in collaboration with Chakwal Chamber of Commerce had developed a proposal for establishment of an industrial estate at Nila Dulla Interchange in District Chakwal and stressed that Governor Punjab should play role in materialization of this important project.
Khalid Malik Senior Vice President, Tahir Ayub Vice President ICCI, Khalid Javed, Muhammad Ejaz Abbasi, Zafar Bakhtawari, Nasir Qureshi, Sheikh Pervez Ahmed, Ms. Nasira Ali, Khalid Chaudhry and other also spoke at the occasion.
