The government is aiming to provide maximum facilities to the business community to boost the economy as a whole, Punjab Chief Minister’s Coordinator for Trade and Commerce Nasir Bashir Salman said.

During a meeting with officials of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Saturday, he stressed that the government is ready to play a supportive role for the business community in the country.

To further facilitate the businessmen, a Revenue Council office will soon be established at the Lahore chamber, he said.

On the occasion, Acting Chairman of LCCI, Mian Rehman Aziz Chan affirmed that the government is giving priority to the suggestions and demands made by the Lahore Chamber with the aim of creating a conducive business environment.

The Lahore chamber, on the other hand, has facilitated the business community by highlighting its issues at government level for speedy resolution, he said.

He mentioned that the price of land in the industrial areas of the province has skyrocketed.

“Recently, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) policy was introduced by the government,” he recalled. “Provincial leaders should play an active role in implementing the policy to facilitate land acquisition for SMEs in the province.”

He was of the view that the water tariff for industrial and commercial entities in Lahore should be adjusted according to that of other cities. “Lahore Development Authority (LDA) charges 20% of the commercial value for conversion of land used by industries,” he said, adding that these charges were hampering the growth of the manufacturing sector.

Calling the charges exorbitant, he called for their removal.

He was of the opinion that LCCI should be represented in provincial commissions and district administrative committees on industry in order to quickly resolve problems related to business affairs.

LCCI Vice-President Haris Ateeq pointed out that a committee had been set up on tax-related issues, but “the issue is still pending and no significant progress has been made.”

He asked the government of Punjab to play its part for the installation of treatment plants in industrial units.

Former LCCI Vice Presidents Kashif Anwar, Zeeshan Khalil, Executive Committee members Mian Atiqur Rehman, Imran Bashir, Riaz Iqbal and business representatives also attended the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^and2022.

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