KARACHI: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Saturday assured the business community that the PML-N government will carry forward the policies made under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif.

“The PML-N government after evolving consensus among all the stakeholders, and due to the unmatched sacrifices of the Law Enforcement and Security Agencies has restored peace and glory of the financial hub of the country. We will ensure to consolidate the gains on the security front and ensure that economic and trade activities further grow,” the Prime Minister said during a meeting with leading businessmen, including members, office-bearers of KCCI, FPCCI and Pakistan Business Council, at Governor House Karachi on Saturday.

Governor Sindh, Minister for Interior, Governor State Bank of Pakistan and Chairman FBR were also present during the meeting.

The PM said that there is convergence of interests of the government and the business community as both are determined for economic growth and improvement in business atmosphere in the country. If the economy is not strong, the country will not grow, the Prime Minister stated.

There is much potential in our economic and trade sector, we need to work together to tap this potential for progress and prosperity of our country, further stated the Prime Minister. The only thing necessary is to make combined and concerted efforts.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the objectives of the government are economic growth, creation of jobs and increase in tax collection. In fact, the objectives of the government and those of the business community are same. If the business community does not grow, the government will not be able to achieve its objectives, the Prime Minister said.

The PM said that he is extremely happy and thankful to be among the business community in his first visit to Karachi. He said that in the wake of smooth transition, the Cabinet took Oath and the government started functioning immediately, which is good for democracy and has renewed confidence of the business community.

The businessmen individually shared their views regarding the economic challenges ahead. They apprised the Prime Minister of issues faced by them regarding increase in imports, cost of doing business, trade and tariff, and taxation.

They lauded the economic reforms under the leadership of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and putting the country on road to peace and progress during the last four years.—INP