LAHORE: The secret of economic development and growth of the country is in the fact that the government, businessmen and industrialists must have to be on the same page while formulating economic policies. Initiatives taken by the government in isolation can yield nothing good unless business community is taken on board in order to make economic development and growth.
This was stated by Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif before inaugurating the 3-day South Asian (SAARC) International Exhibition at the EXPO Centre on Friday.
“No initiative in Pakistan and Punjab can be successful without the due participation and consultation of the business community. We will ensure that the business community including chamber of commerce and association guide the government to formulate policies,” the CM said.
He said that youth is an integral part of the Pakistani society and they should be given opportunities to add to the economic development of the country.
“We must initiate policies which could engage the youth bulge which is 60 percent of the population. We have focused to empower the youth to make a difference,” the CM said.
He pointed out that the economic indicators are improving and foreign exchange reserves have increased beyond ten billion dollars. He said that 2500 megawatt more electricity will be generated during next three years which will provide substantial relief to the masses.
Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI President Engineer Sohail Lashari appreciated the government efforts for the economic turnaround.
He said that although the present government was working on many power projects but it would have to concentrate more on hydle power projects that can ensure cheaper electricity to the end users. He particularly mentioned that rain-fed Kalabagh Dam that could not only avert the danger of floods but also irrigate hundreds and thousands of acres of land besides giving cheaper electricity.
The LCCI President also thanked the Chief Minister Punjab for his cooperation towards the success of the exhibition.
He expressed the optimism that the conference and the exhibition would give much needed boost to the endeavours aimed at building the image building of the country.
The LCCI President said that with the help of SAARC International Exhibition, we are committed to secure its due right as it happens to be the most peaceful, tax friendly and pro business province of Pakistan.
He said that this fact can further be validated from the city-wise ratings provided by The World Bank with regard to Ease of Doing Business. Among the top six cities of Pakistan, five belong to Punjab with one exception which is Islamabad ranked at fourth place. Faisalabad tops the list and followed by Multan and Lahore.
