The Punjab government has taken concrete steps to facilitate businesses and investors, as the province is the first to abolish the no-objection certificate (NOC) requirement for investments, said Punjab Minister for Industries and Trade Mian Aslam Iqbal.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, the minister revealed that Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar would inaugurate a special investor portal called “Punjab Ease” at Dubai Expo, which was designed by the Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT).
He pointed out that 20 departments including the industry and commerce, energy, agriculture and livestock would participate in the expo to highlight the investment opportunities in Punjab and promote soft image of the country.
“Punjab government is sending 25 talented youth registered under a new startup to Dubai Expo to share their ideas at the event,” he said, adding that seminars, panel discussions, business forums, international business conferences and other events would also be organised at the expo.
He voiced hope that the event would bring new investment to the province.
The minister emphasised that support was being provided to export-oriented small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and investor-friendly policies of the government were bearing fruit.
Special Economic Zones and industrial estates of Punjab had secured billions of rupees in investment, he said.
Responding to a question about fuel prices, the minister said that the hike in global crude oil prices had also affected Pakistan.
The government had increased the support price for wheat, which helped farmers to the tune of Rs1,100 billion, the minister pointed out, adding that the government was also launching a targeted subsidy programme to benefit the masses.
“The price of a 20kg flour bag in Punjab is Rs1,100, while in Sindh it is Rs1,600,” he said and highlighted that sugar prices were also going down in Punjab owing to its imports.
“Economic activities have always a trickle down effect,” the minister remarked.
Special Assistant to Punjab Chief Minister on Information Hasaan Khawar, Punjab Industry and Commerce Secretary Wasif Khurshid, PBIT CEO Erfa Iqbal and Director General Public Relations (DGPR) Saman Rai were also present on the occasion.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 24th, 2021.
Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ