Govt to supply energy to exporters at lower tariff

Punjab governor stresses steps being taken to create business-friendly environment

LAHORE: The government is striving to revive the country's economy by working to ensure energy supply at concessionary rates, which is the topmost priority, said Punjab Governor Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar.

Talking to a delegation of businessmen on Friday, the governor said that the government was taking all steps to ensure a business and investment-friendly environment as it was imperative for economic progress and prosperity of the country.

"We are aware of the problems being faced by the trade and industrial sectors, and are undertaking every possible measure to provide a level playing field to the business community," he said.

Sarwar added that the government was also striving to reduce the cost of doing business by ensuring energy supply at concessionary tariffs to the export-oriented industry.

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He appreciated the role being played by the private sector in the country's economic development. He stressed that at present, tough economic conditions called for taking difficult decisions but the government was committed to improving the economy.

He urged industrialists to focus on export-oriented products as an increase in exports was essential for economic stability. "The country has been facing numerous challenges for the past few years, which has also affected the business community."

The governor voiced hope that the business community would continue to play a proactive role in order to uplift the economy.

Meanwhile, the business community appreciated the governor's efforts for getting the GSP Plus status from the EU, which resulted in doubling of Pakistan's exports to EU member states from $3.6 billion in 2008 to $6.8 billion in 2018.

They welcomed Pakistan's better performance in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index, saying that the global ranking could be improved further by removing bureaucratic hurdles from various provincial government departments, which should have facilitated manufacturers but they were actually discouraging industries.

Businessmen added that provincial departments such as Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI), social security, women welfare and environment should facilitate the manufacturers and exporters in a better way. "We request for an easy process for the contribution of EOBI, Social Security funds."

They emphasised that the Punjab government should stop officials of the Environment Department from harassing the businessmen by repeatedly visiting their business premises.

They urged the government to collaborate with the private sector in funding and developing infrastructure for wastewater treatment as it was expensive for the industry, which was already uncompetitive in the global market due to high cost of production.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2020.

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