‘Call meeting on economic reforms’

Entrepreneurs asked to consider buying and managing state-run units.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday asked leading business houses of the country to convene a meeting of all political parties from their platform to discuss economic reforms in order to put the economy on solid footing and ensure continuity of policies.

He said this during a presentation by Pakistan Business Council (PBC) on economic reforms at the President’s House.

Discussing the economic situation, he said it was a collective responsibility to work together in order to overcome current economic challenges and put the economy back on track.

Talking about the economic reforms agenda, the president said the government would continue to pursue reforms despite difficulties and challenges. He said investors, entrepreneurs and businessmen were important stakeholders and they must come forward to play their role.

Talking about policies, he said “if the business community takes ownership of economic policies and plays a proactive role, no international agency will be able to dictate Pakistan in economic sphere.”

The president also suggested formation of consortiums of leading entrepreneurs to consider buying and managing state-run enterprises. However, he said, the consortiums should only comprise local entrepreneurs so that assets and equity remain in the hands of Pakistani nationals.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 18^th, 2011.