ISLAMABAD: Indicators show economy of Pakistan is improving as foreign exchange reserves have crossed the $20 billion mark under the business-friendly policies of the incumbent government.
Talking to Customs Today, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh said that economic team should continuously consult the trade and business bodies while making policies as recently corporate laws were being revised by the government.
He said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will boost business and provide job opportunities in new industries, besides developing the neglected Balochistan.
Shiekh said that ICCI was pro-small traders as it negotiated with government on issue of business closure at 10pm, besides emphasising the need to develop the policy for CNG sector, which were being replaced with shopping plazas because of load shedding and low profit margin.
Responding to a query, he said that line losses should be controlled by the govt, besides establishing new power projects to overcome the load shedding in the country.
Zarb-e-Azb will be completed soon that would improve conditions in Federal Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhawa, Shiekh said, adding that secure FATA would help increasing exports and imports to and from Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.
He said that competent staff should be deputed at foreign missions to tap the new markets there and to raise the export target to $50 billion
Answering to a question, President ICCI said that new state of the art international airport will be completed by November 2016 where international standards facilities of cargo handling and travelling will be provided to people. He said that cost of airport have increased from Rs 37 billion to Rs105 billion due to mis-planning and maladministration.
Saying that impact analysis of privatization is necessary, Shiekh added that government can improve Pakistan Steel Mills and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) before privatization thus there would be lesser unemployment and better selling price.
Our members have been complaining about extra and hidden rates charges by telecom companies. He said that consumer courts should be activated through awareness, adding that fees of consumer court should be brought at zero level.
President ICCI appreciated responsible business and economic reporting by print and electronic media. Positive projection will improve the economy and brand Pakistan.
