Govt committed to uplifting economy: Punjab minister

Businessmen lament spike in price of land in industrial estates of province

LAHORE:

The government aims to provide maximum facilities to the business community in order to uplift the economy as a whole, said Punjab Chief Minister’s Coordinator for Business and Trade Affairs Nasir Bashir Salman.

In a meeting with office-bearers of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Saturday, he underlined that the government was all set to play a supportive role for the business community of the country.

In order to further facilitate the businessmen, a desk of the Board of Revenue would soon be established at Lahore chamber, he said.

On the occasion, LCCI Acting President Mian Rehman Aziz Chan maintained that the government was prioritising the suggestions and demands put forth by the Lahore chamber in a bid to create a business-friendly environment.

The Lahore chamber, on the other hand, facilitated the business community by highlighted its problems at the government level for swift resolution, he said.

He mentioned that the price of land in industrial estates of the province had skyrocketed.

“Recently, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Policy has been introduced by the government,” he recalled. “The provincial leadership should to play an active role in implementing the policy to facilitate land acquisition for SMEs in the province.”

He was of the view that water tariff for industrial and commercial entities in Lahore should be adjusted in line with that of other cities. “Lahore Development Authority (LDA) charges 20% of commercial value for conversion of land used by the industries,” he mentioned, adding that this fee was impeding the growth of the manufacturing sector.

Terming the charges exorbitant, he called for their elimination.

He was of the view that LCCI should be represented in the provincial boards and district administration committees on industry for timely resolution of issues related to business affairs.

LCCI Vice President Haris Ateeq underlined that a committee was set up on tax related problems however, “the issue is still pending and no significant progress has been made”.

He requested the government of Punjab to play its role for the installation of water treatment plants in the industrial units.

Former LCCI vice presidents Kashif Anwar, Zeeshan Khalil, Executive Committee Members Mian Atiqur Rehman, Imran Bashir, Riaz Iqbal and business representatives were also present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th, 2022.

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