Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad, Punjab’s Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs said that fixing the economic problems is the top priority of the government and all possible measures are being taken to revive the economy. He said that the business community is the key stakeholder in the economic development of the country and the government is determined to provide them maximum facilitation in business development. He assured that he would play a role in taking up the key issues of the business community at relevant forums for their early redress so that they can promote businesses with ease. He said this while addressing as chief guest at a Business Networking Lunch organized by the former MNA Kanwar Qutbuddin Khan in honor of Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry said that Pakistan is a country of very young population and we need to develop a strong economy to give them a better future. He said that the business community has a lot of hopes from the Special Investment Facilitation Council and we are confident that it would steer the economy out of the current economic crisis. He said that the government is planning to impose a fixed tax on retailers and realtors and emphasized that this should be done in consultation with the stakeholders to avoid any unnecessary problems to the business sector. He assured that the business community would fully support the government in its endeavors for the revival of the economy.

Former MNA and renowned businessman Kanwar Qutbuddin Khan said that the real estate sector has the potential to steer the economy out of the current crisis as the growth of over 50 allied industries is linked with this industry. He said that the government should focus on creating a conducive environment for the real estate and construction industry to attract more investment, promote business activities, create new jobs and revive the overall economy.

Khalid Iqbal Malik Group Leader ICCI said that Pakistan has great potential to increase exports by focusing on new markets including Africa, Central Asia and ASEAN region and stressed that the TDAP should take business delegations from the private sector to explore these markets for exports promotion.

Zafar Bakhtawari, former President ICCI and Secretary General UBG Pakistan highlighted the importance of connecting Pakistan through direct air links with potential markets for improving the country’s trade and exports. He said that PIA should be privatized and the private sector should be encouraged to launch new airlines that would strengthen Pakistan’s direct air links with all major markets and contribute significantly in reviving the economy.