Pakistan business friendly, Abbasi tells US delegation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that continuity of economic policies of the government is not only reflecting maturity but would also help restore confidence of the business community in the economic policies.

He was talking to a delegation of American Business Council that called on him here at the Prime Minister Office (PMO) Wednesday. Kamran Nishat, president of the American Business Council, briefed the Prime Minister about the Council and its contribution towards promoting businesses and investment in Pakistan.

The delegation appreciated steps taken by the incumbent government towards improving law and order and putting in place a business-friendly environment in the country. Nishat presented some suggestions aimed at boosting confidence of the business community, reducing business input costs, addressing tax related issues for further promotion of investment friendly climate in the country.

The Prime Minister while appreciating their suggestions highlighted the steps that were being taken by the government to address the issues faced by the business community. The prime minister said that the government has tasked Board of Investment to coordinate with the provincial governments for facilitating business in the country.

Recounting various achievements at the economic front, the Prime Minister observed that Pakistan has been able to insulate its policies from the political process. Referring to the upward economic growth trajectory, the Prime Minister observed that the country has a huge economic and export potential that needs to be exploited.

He said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project has opened up new opportunities for business community, especially the private sector.

Later, a delegation of Pak Apparel Forum also called on the Prime Minister and briefed him about the overall contribution of the sector towards textile sector and exports of the country. The delegation presented various suggestions for further strengthening of the apparel sector. The Prime Minister welcomed their suggestions and assured that the government would continue making every possible effort to address their issues and to facilitate them in the growth of the apparel sector. Prime Minister Abbasi later chaired a briefing on National Highways and Motorways Police (NH&MP) at the PMO. Minister of State for Communications Chaudhary Junaid Anwaar and senior government officials were also present during the meeting. Inspector General NH&MP Dr Syed Kaleem Imam briefed the Prime Minister on the overall working and performance of NH&MP. It was informed that NH&MP, since its creation, has earned recognition at national as well as international level for its effectiveness and being a corruption free department. The federal government nominated NH&MP as the best organisation for UN Public Service Award in 2009. The meeting was informed that management of traffic volume of 0.65 million vehicles per day on national highways and Motorways, reduction in accidents by 44%, deaths by 21%, injuries by 25% and efficient response through Emergency Helpline 130 are some of the significant achievements of NH&MP from 2016 to 2017.

Moreover, in 2017 alone, the NH&MP succeeded in arrest of 99 criminals, re-union of 57 lost/runway children with families, recovery of 6 kidnapped persons and recovery of 64 stolen/snatched vehicles. On the technological front, NH&MP has introduced paperless E-ticketing System throughout the country thereby saving Rs26.5 million per annum and creating an integrated database of traffic violations which would lead to Point Based Violation System, the meeting was briefed. Future expansion of road network under the CPEC project and the requirements of additional manpower in lieu of the extended road network also came under discussion. The Prime Minister while appreciating the performance of the department emphasized upon greater efforts to ensure and promote maximum road safety practices. Besides, efforts must continue to acquire latest technology and making the organisation more professional and a dedicated force, observed the Prime Minister.