LAHORE, Pakistan: The Punjab Industries Minister Chaudhry Muhammad Shafique said Saturday that overcoming energy crisis was top priority of the provincial government.
In a meeting with Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Chairman Mian Rehman Aziz here, he said that provincial government had already completed 60 per cent work on pipeline for supply of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) from Karachi to Lahore. The LNG would be supplied to the industry and power project being developed in Punjab, he added.
Both sides also discussed various matters of mutual interest and hurdles in the way of rapid industrialization.
While, the FPCCI Regional Chairman stressed the need for taking steps on war footing for speedy growth of industries across Punjab as well as investment should be encouraged.
The government must ensure enabling business and investment environment and formulate liberal and transparent policy for investors. One window facilitation centers could also prove very helpful for industrialization and attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), he added.
Mian Rehman Aziz also highlighted various other issues being faced by industrialists of Punjab including energy shortage, cash liquidity, tax anomalies, duty drawbacks and technology up gradation.
Export-friendly trade policies needed to be adopted, he said and added that signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and FTA (Free Trade Agreement) with trade partner could also increase revenues. He urged the government to develop Special Economic Zones as soon as possible.
The Provincial Minister Chaudhry Muhammad Shafique appreciated the FPCCI proposals and suggestion for mining sector growth and assured the Federation that all its proposals would be given serious consideration for implementation.
Source: APP
