Summary He said the government is working with the private sector to promote exports, industrial growth and expansion of the tax net.
LAHORE (APP) - Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said on Saturday that after the success of the ‘Marka-e-Haq’, Pakistan must now win ‘Marka-e-Maeeshat’ (economic victory), because strong defence cannot sustain without a strong economy.
Interacting with business community during his visit to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) here, he added, if Pakistan focuses on exports, industrial growth and economic reforms over the next 10 years, the country can become one of the world’s leading economies.
Ahsan Iqbal said, the success in the “Battle of Truth” has placed a responsibility on the entire nation to strengthen the economy because history has shown that weak economies cannot sustain strong defense systems.
He said the government is working with the private sector to promote exports, industrial growth and expansion of the tax net.
He added that the target of achieving 100 billion dollars in exports by 2035 is as important for Pakistan as achieving nuclear capability once was.
He said Pakistan promoted peace, stability and dialogue through a balanced and responsible approach, which further strengthened the country’s positive image around the world.
Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan’s recent diplomatic and defense achievements have improved the country’s image globally, and now the same spirit must be shown in the economic field.
Exports are the only sustainable path for Pakistan’s economic development and that the government is removing unnecessary regulations, red tape and business barriers to support exports, he mentioned.
LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, former president Muhammad Ali Mian, former VP Shahid Nazir Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, and Executive Committee members were also present.
