American businessmen meet PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said removing hurdles to business activities and providing a conducive environment to the business community is among the top priorities of his government.

“The federal government announced to give concessions to the construction sector [in the wake of coronavirus pandemic] so that the construction sector and other businesses associated with it may thrive,” Imran said on Monday while speaking to a delegation of the American Business Council.

Adviser to the PM on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Adviser to the PM on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, Board of Investment Chairman Atif R Bokhari were also present at the meeting.

The delegation commended the PTI led federal government’s efforts with regard to improving the country’s “ease of doing business” ranking and steps taken to facilitate the business community.

Various members of the delegation also briefed the prime minister about their respective businesses. They said the business friendly policy of the current government has motivated the American companies to expand their operations in Pakistan.

They also presented various proposals to the PM to further facilitate business activities in the country.

Prime Minister Imran told the delegation that his government has formed a high level committee to promote small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs). The premier also directed his advisers to look into the proposal presented by the council and implement the workable ones.

On the occasion, the delegation presented the premier Rs17 million cheque for the government’s Corona Relief Fund. The council had earlier presented Rs20 million for the fund.