All resources to be utilised to redress business community’s concerns: Governor Punjab

FAISALABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan on Monday said that all available resources would be utilized to redress concerns and issues of the business community.

Addressing a meeting at Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), he said that Faisalabad played a significant role in Pakistan’s exports and deserved modern infrastructure, business-friendly facilities and development projects capable of expanding industrial activity, attracting investment and creating new economic opportunities.

Recognizing the challenges confronting local entrepreneurs, he said that high taxes, expensive electricity and gas, and elevated interest rates were increasing production costs and making it difficult for Pakistani manufacturers to compete effectively in international markets.

He stressed the need to broaden tax base instead of imposing additional burdens on existing taxpayers. He said that the salaried class and businesses already contributing taxes were under considerable financial pressure. A fairer taxation system required bringing more people and businesses into the tax net, he added.

He said that energy prices needed to become more affordable and stable to enable industrialists to plan their operations, control production costs and expand their businesses.

He assured the business community that its legitimate demands would be conveyed to President Asif Ali Zardari for early redressal of their genuine problems.

He also announced that efforts would be made to arrange a meeting between the leadership and representatives of business community so that their concerns could be discussed at the highest level.

Emphasizing the importance of promoting Pakistani products internationally, the Punjab governor said that goods manufactured in the country should be clearly identified as “Made in Pakistan” to strengthen national brand and improve export reputation of the country.

He observed that several products originating in Pakistan were exported without a clear indication of their Pakistani origin, limiting opportunities to promote industrial capabilities and manufacturing standards of the country in international markets.

He urged the businessmen to give greater attention to establish a distinct identity for locally manufactured products.

The Governor Punjab also called for strong institutional links between universities and industrial sector, saying that academic research and technical expertise should be aligned with practical needs of businesses.

He said that he would direct vice-chancellors of universities to establish dedicated committees for liaison with industry and appoint focal persons to maintain regular communication with business organizations. Such collaboration would help businesses benefit from modern technology, research, innovation and skilled human resources while enabling universities to orient their academic and research activities towards industrial requirements, he added.

He announced that the initiative would begin with FCCI and his office would also appoint a focal person during next week to establish an effective mechanism for addressing industrialists’ concerns and proposals.

He said that he believed in delivering results rather than limiting commitments to verbal assurances. His office would facilitate the resolution of legitimate business issues instead of creating unnecessary hurdles and practical progress would be pursued without delay, he added.

He also announced the establishment of a “Textile Circular City” in Faisalabad and described the proposed circular city as an important initiative for the industrial hub. Practical steps should be taken to translate the announcement into reality, opening new avenues for economic growth of the city, he added.

During interaction, the killing of prominent businessman Rehan Ashraf was also discussed and the Governor Punjab called for the immediate arrest of those involved in the murder, saying the suspects should be apprehended within the next few hours. He stressed that those responsible for such crimes must be brought to justice to ensure relief for the bereaved family and maintain a sense of security among citizens.