Path to progress: Economy improving due to govt policies, says governor

Rajwana says national interest should be given priority

LAHORE:

National interest, not political opportunism, should be a priority over all other considerations, Governor Malik Muhammad Rafiq Rajwana said on Wednesday.

He was addressing a reception hosted for the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry members and prominent businessmen.

“This is the only way to place the country on the path to progress and prosperity. Business-friendly policies of the government are producing positive results,” he said. Rajwana asked businessmen to take advantage of the incentives being offered by the government to establish industrial units.

Rajwana praised the sacrifices of the armed forces. “The army has curbed terrorism by conducting successful operations against anti-state elements. A sense of safety has returned to the country,” he said. The governor said that the government was taking steps to improve the facilities provided to investors.

He also appreciated the efforts of traders and industrials who had actively participated in economic development. “The government has always given due consideration to the problems of business community. Appropriate steps are being taken to address these issues,” he said.

The governor said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects would start a new era of industrial development in Pakistan. “These projects will also create jobs in Pakistan. All businessmen want peace and progress in the country. They have always supported government efforts for the rule of law,” he said.

Minister for States and Frontier Regions Lt Gen (r) Abdul Qadir Baloch said that there were abundant business opportunities in the country. “Industrialists should come forward and start economic activities to overcome poverty and unemployment,” he said.

Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Abdul Rauf Alam, United Business Group Chairman Iftikhar Ali Malik, Sheikh Khalid Tawab and Malik Sohail Hussain spoke on the occasion and promised the government of their full cooperation for promotion of industrialisation in the country.

Industries Secretary Khizar Hayyat Gondal, Trade Development Authority Chief Executive SM Munir and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan chairman were also present.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th, 2016.