Zardari urges business community to invest in stock exchange

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for providing a business-friendly environment by further rationalizing the interest rate, providing cost-effective energy, and supporting export-oriented industries.

He urged the business community to invest in the country’s stock exchange, besides focusing on industries that support small and medium enterprises and provide jobs to people.

The President expressed these views while addressing the 12th Federation of Pakistan Chambers and Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Excellence Awards ceremony, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday.

The ceremony was attended by members of the business community, and senior government officials.

President Asif Ali Zardari said that high interest rates were not beneficial for the country’s economy and businesses. He said that he would ask the government to consider reducing the policy rate to boost business activities. He stated that a comprehensive approach was required to steer the country out of its economic challenges.

Recalling his previous tenure, the President highlighted that despite security challenges and the war on terror, his economic policy of supporting export-oriented industries and providing cost-effective energy led to an increase in the country’s exports.

The President said that steps should be taken to provide cost-effective electricity, land and other facilities to help promote trade and industry. He urged the business community and entrepreneurs to continue to actively contribute towards the economic transformation of the country.

The President appreciated the FPCCI for awarding Excellence Awards to the country’s top businesses to inspire healthy competition. He urged the FPCCI to provide its valuable input to help develop policies that promote exports and stimulate domestic industries.

FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said that economic challenges were being transformed into opportunities.

Group Leader FPCCI, Dr Gohar Ejaz said that the country’s economy was improving. He added that the business community was making efforts to enhance the country’s exports.

The President also distributed the 12th FPCCI Excellence Awards among members of the business community for their outstanding performance and contributions to the economy.