Economy: ‘Good governance will make economy strong’

Ministers assure businessmen that the government will solve their problems.

FAISALABAD: “Good governance is the universal cure for corruption. It is the only way to solve the problems faced by the business community,” Minister for Local Government Rana Sanaullah said on Saturday. He was addressing members of Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI). 

He said Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio was one of the lowest in the world. He urged the business community to help the government improve the ratio.

He said the government was aware of the shortcomings of the federal budget 2013-14. He said that the government would overcome these shortcomings would be removed over time.



He assured the businessmen that the government would support the business community at every step.

The minister said that a campaign had been launched to curb electricity and gas theft.

He said terrorism had become a complicated problem and the government was ready to initiate a dialogue with militants.

Speaking on the occasion, MNA Akram Ansari pledged support for businesses. He said that resolving the energy crisis was the top-most priority of the government.

MNA Rana Afzal said that “trade economies” were the most successful economies and the problems highlighted by the FCCI had a special place on the agenda of the government.

Earlier in his welcome address, FCCI President Zahid Aslam said that Faisalabad was Pakistan’s textile capital.

He said that the main problem faced by Faisalabad’s industries was severe load shedding.

He also complained about the unavailability of gas. He said the severe energy crisis had reduced industrial production to less than 50percent of its capacity.

He said if the government paid off the so-called circular debt in 60 days as promised, it would be a great achievement.

He said that water shortage was an alarming new problem. He said new dams should be constructed to produce cheap hydel electricity.

He also suggested a high court bench in the city and international flights at the Faisalabad airport.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 8^th, 2013.