Special CPEC incentives sought for entrepreneurs

ISLAMABAD: Khalid Iqbal Malik, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), on Saturday called upon the government to offer special incentives and dedicate space to young entrepreneurs for investing in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“It will enable them to set up business ventures and industrial units in these zones and play effective role in the economic development of the country,” said Malik speaking to a delegation of Youth Business Development Association of Pakistan (YBDAP) at his office.

“The government should also focus on making new policies for fostering youth entrepreneurship in order to reduce unemployment and poverty in the country.”

Malik observed that Pakistan was a country of young population and the government should create enabling environment to facilitate and engage youth in entrepreneurial activities.

“If properly groomed and engaged into productive activities, youth could turn into a huge economic dividend for the country, but if left unattended, it could become a burden on the economy,” said the ICCI president. He also advised the youngsters to carve their careers in business for becoming job creators instead of job seekers and assured the ICCI would guide and mentor them for becoming successful entrepreneurs.

Khalid Malik, senior vice president ICCI, said the youth was an asset and future of Pakistan. “No matter what business they are in, they should work with honesty and commitment for achieving success in life,” said the vice president of the ICCI. Raja Waqas Janjua, president YBDAP said, that YBDA was established to work for youth empowerment by creating opportunities for them in the various fields of business.

“Youth is the backbone of the country and his Association would focus on engaging them in business ventures so that they could play productive roles in the economic development of the nation,” said Janjua.  The YBDAP leader said his association would keep close liaison with the ICCI.