Punjab moves to cut cost of doing business, boost exports

2026-03-04 - 20:04

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman on Wednesday visited the regional office of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in Lahore and held a consultative meeting with members of the business community to discuss measures for promoting industrialization in the province. FPCCI Regional Chairman and Vice President Zaki Ijaz, former caretaker Federal Minister for Commerce Gohar Ejaz, UBG Patron-in-Chief S M Tanveer, presidents of various chambers of commerce, and chairpersons of trade associations were present there. Speaking to the media after the session, Marriyum Aurangzeb said the purpose of the consultative meeting was to understand the challenges being faced by the industrial sector. She emphasized that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is focused on accelerating industrial growth in the province. She stated that a dedicated committee has been formed to engage stakeholders and develop practical recommendations. The committee has been tasked with addressing issues related to industrial clusters, export-led growth, energy sustainability, and tariff structures to reduce the cost of doing business and enhance the competitiveness of Punjab’s industries in international markets. The senior minister highlighted that the Punjab government has maintained a special focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) over the past two years. She also noted that amendments have been introduced in the public-private partnership law to further facilitate industrial development. Marriyum Aurangzeb added that representatives of the business community expressed satisfaction with the law and order situation in the province, stating that improved security would further strengthen investment and business activities. Meanwhile, S M Tanveer said the objective of the meeting was to explore practical strategies for advancing industrialization in Punjab. He expressed optimism that under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a new era of industrial growth would begin in the province, generating employment opportunities and boosting economic activity.