RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan has said that first payment of the textile package is likely to be provided in next few days.

While talking to the media at a conference on “Ease of Doing Business” organized by All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) here on Wednesday, the Minister said that the State Bank of Pakistan has already issued a circular regarding the payment of textile package.

He said that Pakistan was facing a number of challenges including terrorism and power outages but presently situation has been improved. “Now Pakistan is more peaceful and prosperous” he said and added that there is no load shedding for the industry which is receiving uninterrupted supply of electricity. He was optimistic that the issue of power outage would be resolved by the next year.

He said the present government has introduced a number of business reforms to provide helpful environment. As a result Pakistan got position among the top ten countries of the world with regard to business reforms, he added. The PML (N) government has taken encouraging steps for the welfare of the business community, he said. The government is committed to give a boost to the business in the country, the Minister said. Khurram said, “Pakistan is receiving more foreign investment, particularly following the initiation of China Pak Economic Corridor project”. He condemned and termed the suicidal attack a tragic incident in Lahore that claimed lives of innocent 7 people including 5 soldiers who were on census duty.

Speaking at the conference, the Minister said that his ministry is working on ease of doing business in Pakistan and legislation in this regard would be made, if needed. All the stakeholders should give suggestions for providing a helpful environment to the business community in Pakistan, he said.

He said that legislation on e-commerce is also under process and the government is going to launch a campaign to re-introduce Pakistani brands in the world by the end of this year. He said that providing a suitable environment to business community is not only the responsibility of federal government but also the provincial governments should also take positive steps to boost business in the provinces and facilitate the business community.

“Pakistan is heading on the right direction of development but the pace of progress is need to be faster, and the private sector should also join hands with the government in this regard” he added.

Earlier, Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana who was chief guest, inaugurated the conference also attended by over 250 distinguished entrepreneurs, along with regulators, industrial experts and diplomats shared their insights, ideas and knowledge.