Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has urged the Faisalabad business community to commit to increasing the city’s exports by 20 percent, assuring that the government would, in consultation with the Prime Minister, pursue the establishment of an Expo Centre in Faisalabad next year.
Addressing the Business Excellence Awards ceremony organized by the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) to mark its 50 years of service, the Federal Minister said Faisalabad was a major industrial and export hub of Pakistan and deserved the necessary facilities and infrastructure to further expand its economic potential.
During his visit to the FCCI, Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated a Podcast Room, Passport Facilitation Centre and SMEDA Liaison Office.
The Federal Minister said Faisalabad played a vital role in Pakistan’s economy and exports, particularly through its textile and industrial sectors. He emphasized that the government and private sector must work together to transform the city’s industrial strength into greater global competitiveness, innovation and export growth.
Referring to Pakistan’s economic journey, Ahsan Iqbal said the country had undertaken major initiatives for economic stability and development, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which brought significant investment and created new opportunities for industrial development.
He said Pakistan had now moved from economic stabilization towards the next phase of sustainable and accelerated growth under URAAN Pakistan, with the vision of transforming Pakistan into a $1 trillion economy by 2035. Achieving this objective, he added, would require a substantial increase in exports and stronger collaboration between the government, industry and academia.
The Federal Minister stressed the need for policy continuity, political stability, modern reforms and stronger linkages between universities and industry to enhance Pakistan’s productivity and competitiveness in international markets.
He called upon the FCCI to play an active role in developing the capacity of its members, facilitating access to new international markets and promoting exports. “The government and chambers must work as one team to strengthen Pakistan’s economic and export base,” he said.
Ahsan Iqbal said the concerns raised by Faisalabad’s business community regarding taxation and RTO-related issues would be brought to the Prime Minister’s attention. He also assured the business community that their demand for an airport in Faisalabad would be presented to the Prime Minister.
Representatives of the FCCI highlighted Faisalabad’s contribution to the national economy and revenue and called for improved infrastructure, an IT university and an airport to support the city’s growing industrial and business activities.
The business community also expressed its commitment to working with the government for economic growth and stability through dialogue and constructive cooperation.
Add the inaugurated facilities to the headline Make the minister’s call more action-oriented Remove repetition around export growth.
