Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry Vice President Riaz Khattak said that work on different reforms had been carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but economic side was still neglected for unidentified reasons which must be taken up with the consultation of FPCCI.
Riaz Khattak led the delegation of FPCCI which called on PTI Chairman Imran Khan and Chief Minister KPK Pervez Kahttak at CM House. He said: “If we talk about the economic side of the province, we don’t see massive growth due to numerous reasons. The KPK economy is based on agriculture, but unfortunately lack of infrastructure, interims of storage facilities, dedicated agriculture extension systems, basic facilities for fruits and vegetables growers are not available which needs to be addressed on priority.”
Secretary General of Businessmen Panel Senator Haji Ghulam Ali, Hattar Industrial Association Patron Malik Fareed, FPCCI Regional Standing Committee Chairman Ahmad Jawad, presidents of DI Khan Chamber, Mardan Chamber, Haripur Chamber, Tribal Area Chamber, Peshawar Chamber of Small Traders, Chitral Chamber and Kohat Chamber of Commerce and former vice presidents of FPCCI Adnan Jalil, Fazal Elahi and Sultan Mohammad were also present.
Riaz Kahttak said the business community welcomed the new industrial policy by the provincial government but the FPCCI demanded that the government should provide the same concessions to the existing players which were allowed in recent policy for the new investors.
The FPCCI also wanted the provincial government to form a revise mineral policy with the consultation of the relevant stake holders, and lease process must be carried out in a very transparent manner across KPK and it should be given to those companies who have experience and required eligibility criteria.
He said the provincial budget was expected to be unveiled in June but there was no consultation process being done till now with the FPCCI by the respective ministries on it. The business community desired that the KPK finance ministry and planning commission must consult with them before finalising the budget draft, Riaz added.
Chief Minister Pervez Khattak welcomed the FPCCI delegation at the CM House. He announced the formation of a liaison committee between the CM Secretariat and FPCCI, so that issues of business community could be addressed properly. He also stated that every month a meeting would be held under his chairmanship.