Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Monday that the business community plays a vital role in economic development and the government would extend them all possible facilities for endorsement of business and trade activities in the country.
PM Gilani, while meeting a delegation of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) led by its president, Ali Raza Saeed, said to facilitate trade and business at the local and international level is the top priority of the government. Gilani said the government believes in the promotion of trade and business activities and business community will be taken into confidence before drafting any policy related to business and trade. He said Pakistan’s soil is rich in natural reserves and the government is striving to tap these resources in order to overcome the energy crisis. RCCI President Ali Raza Saeed said that the export target of $50 billion can be achieved by putting an end to the energy crisis.
He hoped the government would consult stakeholders in the trade policy making process. He also said the export target of $25 billion is a landmark for the government and business community appreciates the government’s efforts for boosting trading activities. He demanded of the prime minister that mass transit train system and expo center be established in Rawalpindi to resolve transportation and industrial issues. Gilani ensured his full cooperation in this regard. The government is going to announce the National Trade policy 2011-12 in the next few days. Federal Commerce Secretary Zafar Mehmood said a few days ago that the announcement was earlier scheduled for the last week of August, but “…has been further delayed and will now be announced after Eid”.
