KARACHI - Sindh Governor Imran Ismail has said that increasing the exports and reducing the trade deficit are the important components of the present Government’s strategy.
He underlined that the Government was committed to improve the economic structure of the country and promote ease of doing business. He said this while presiding over meeting of Sindh Industrial Liaison Committee (SILC) at Governor’s House on Tuesday, said a statement. The issues of industrial areas including gas supply came under detailed discussion during the meeting.
Representatives of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), KCCI and presidents of different associations of industrial areas in Karachi attended the meeting. MD SSGC, Imran Maniar; Principal Secretary to Governor, Dr Syed Saif ur Rehman and Adviser to Governor, Umaid Ali Jonejo were also among other participants. A threadbare discussion over gas shortages, its equitable distribution and supply to the industries of Karachi was held. Sindh Governor extended assurance for pursuing issue of gas shortages to the industry of Karachi with the federal government. SSGC informed the meeting that some 189 industrial units in city were acquiring gas load by installing suction pumps illegally which was also a main cause of gas shortages to other different industrial units.
Sindh Governor took strong exception of illegal installation of suction pumps in industrial units in Karachi, and directed to cut their gas connections besides taking legal action as well. The Industrial Associations of the city also undertook to cooperate in this regard. Imran Ismail maintained that facilitation in investment was among the top priorities of the government and the government was removing impediments for industrial growth in the country. He emphasised that government had given priority to exports and for that every possible facility would be provided to the industry for increasing production. “The government has pinned high hopes on the export-oriented sector for creation of jobs and new investment in the country,” he added.
Sindh Governor assured that the Federal government would continue to extend maximum possible support and assistance to the industrial sector. Government takes several measure for business community Sindh Governor Imran Ismail has said that the government is well aware of the problems being faced by trade and industrial community and was adopting every possible measure to provide atmosphere for the business community.
He expressed these views while talking to the delegation of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), which called on him at Governor’s House on Tuesday.
Textile value addition and other relevant issues were discussed in the meeting. The delegation apprised the Governor of problems being facing the textile sector specially with reference to supply of natural gas to the industry. Imran Ismail asked the delegation to come up with practical recommendations for resolution of the issue.
“Both public and private sectors will have to work in close cooperation for the progress and prosperity of the country,” he added.
Governor Ismail said that textile industry had a key contribution in country industrial development and earning foreign exchange. He underscored that value-addition in all sectors, especially in textile, was indispensable for capturing international market. Principal Secretary to Governor Dr Syed Saif ur Rehman was also present.
