News Desk
By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: “Government is committed to promote Industrialization in the country as a priority matter considering it as the most effective tool to sup up economic growth, create jobs and enhance exports” this was stated by Dr. Arif Alvi, President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan at the prestigious 8th Achievement Awards ceremony of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) held at Islamabad on 24th September 2020.
The President of Pakistan stated that the world is currently facing severe economic crisis due to COVID – 19, however Pakistan is the only country where the business community played an equal role alongside the government to curb the adverse economic impact due to the pandemic. “The developed economies of the world are now adopting similar measures of smart lockdown initiated by the Pakistani government which itself is an achievement for every citizen of the country.” He added.
He acknowledged the concerns of the business community put forth by Mian Anjum Nisar, President FPCCI and assured that the government is primarily focused to enhance the promotion of trade in the country and will introduce better economic measures in consultation with FPCCI for the betterment of the private sector in line with the ease of doing business policies of the country. Dr. Arif Alvi congratulated FPCCI for organizing Achievement Awards while terming it as an effective platform to acknowledge the contribution of the achievers in various socio – economic sectors.
Mian Anjum Nisar, President FPCCI in his welcome address appreciated the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan for his keen interest and cooperative support to the address the concerns of the business community. He stated that despite the complications in the current global scenario and challenges aroused from Covid, the efforts of the award winners for the promotion of Pakistan are highly commendable. As a representative of the business community of the country, he highlighted the issues and challenges faced by the business community and demanded of the Government to take proactive and effective measures to reduce cost of Production, provision of fiscal incentives to bring electricity cost to 6-7cents per unit, enabling the industry to compete in both domestic and international market, support to agriculture sectors and products & markets diversification for Halal products, Horticulture, Livestock & Fisheries. He also called attention of Dr. Arif Alvi to the potential in organized farming, subsidy to seed production and hybrid seed and establishment of accredited labs He appreciated the Government for new agreements with IPPs, which would not only reduce electricity price substantially but also reduce circular, which was effecting the industry output.
President FPCCI also highlighted the urban flooding in Karachi during the recent torrential monsoon rains and emphasized early restoration of economic and commercial activities of the economic hub of the country through development of infrastructure.
The gathering was also addressed by Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance & Revenue affairs and Hammad Azhar, Federal Minister for Industries & Production who highlighted the economic achievements of the federal government despite the pandemic. They stated that Pakistan Stock Exchange has been declared Asia’s best-performing market and fourth-best-performing stock market in the world as well as the due to the sound economic policies of the government, Pakistan has achieved current account surplus for the last three months. Both of them assured that the fundamental objective of Prime Minister Imran Khan is to stabilize the economy of the country and economically compete with the world for which the country is progressing on the right path.
Asim Ghani Usman, Convener of FPCCI Awards Committee in his vote of thanks expressed his gratitude to the Chief Guest for gracing the occasion as well as acknowledged the efforts of FPCCI management and members to successfully organize this event despite the limitations due to the pandemic.
The awards ceremony was also attended by high profile government officials and diplomats.
