Public relief a top priority in budget: PM

Says measures will be taken to enhance industrial growth, boost exports

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Tuesday, emphasised that providing maximum relief to the public and fostering economic development are key priorities for the federal government in the upcoming budget for fiscal year 2023-24.

Chairing a meeting to discuss budget proposals for the industrial sector, the PM stated that the federal budget would include measures to enhance industrial growth and boost exports. He personally assured that the proposals from the industrial sector would be incorporated into the budget.

The PM directed the relevant authorities to eliminate unnecessary obstacles hindering the growth of small, medium, and large-scale industrial production. He also highlighted that the previous government deliberately impeded investment and industrial development in the country.

Sharif criticised the previous government for violating agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to prolong its rule, burdening 220 million Pakistanis with the consequences.

He expressed confidence in the resilience of the nation, noting that Pakistanis were gradually emerging from economic difficulties. He commended the collective efforts of the government, the nation, industrialists, and the business community to improve the country’s economic situation.

The government intends to reduce production costs for industries by providing low-cost energy and facilitating easy bank loans for small-scale industries, he said. To ensure the incorporation of proposals from the industrial sector, PM Sharif directed his Advisor Ahad Cheema to finalise the recommendations. The meeting included senior government officials, prominent industrialists and investors participating via video link.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 31^st, 2023.

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