ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a meeting with leading businessmen and industrialists of the country, said on Wednesday that measures were being taken to bring the the informal economy into the tax net.
He said a strong partnership between the government and private sector is a guarantee of economic growth, adding that consultation with the business community was of utmost importance in formulating policies related to Pakistan’s economy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government was pursuing an export-led growth strategy as the central pillar of its economic policy, adding that business-friendly measures have helped stabilise the economy and restore foreign investor confidence.
The delegation included notable businessmen, including Arif Habib, Atif Bajwa, Zeelaf Munir, Muhammad Ali Tabba, Musadaq Zulqarnain, Mian Muhammad Mansha, Gohar Ejaz, Javed Iqbal, Umar Mansha, Aamir Ibrahim and Ziad Bashir and others. The delegation paid tribute to the PM and his team for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, a statement issued by the PM Office media said. Business leaders expressed confidence in the country’s economic recovery journey and improved fiscal management under the leadership of prime minister. They thanked the PM and his team for steering the economy in the right direction and creating a conducive environment for business and investment. Separately, talking to Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, PM Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need to immediately initiate necessary actions for follow-up on important decisions taken during his recent visit to China.
The PM particularly stressed the need to expand cooperation in key areas under CPEC 2.0, particularly agriculture, IT, industries, including SEZs and mines and minerals.
Other issues discussed during the meeting included the fast-tracking of KKH realignment project, expanding security, counterterrorism and defence cooperation, as well as economic and financial support. The evolving regional situation and international developments were also discussed.
