ISLAMABAD: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) on Tuesday said Prime Minister Imran Khan’s first address to the nation after being elected as the country’s new premier has won hearts and minds of the nation. The speech has energised and motivated the entire business community of the country which will trigger economic activities and investment, it said. In a joint statement on Tuesday, FPCCI President Ghazanfar Bilour, FPCCI Vice President Karim Aziz Malik, FPCCI Coordination Chairman Malik Sohail, Atif Ikram Sheikh and Javed Iqbal said that the new premier promised wide-ranging reforms, safeguard Pakistan’s resources and redistribute them from the rich to the disadvantaged which is laudable. The business leaders said that the PM Imran Khan has promised that instead of trying to rebuild the economy via external loans, his government will try and fulfill its needs from within as no country can succeed by taking on debt. They offered unconditional support to the agenda of the new government which include measures to cut down expenses, tax reforms instead of loans, eradication of poverty, motivating overseas Pakistanis and rooting out corruption. They also lauded the decision of Imran Khan regarding devolution of power and plan to provide jobs to youth, a new housing project and a boost to the industrial sector. Environmental issues, compassion for the underprivileged and following Madina’s model to rid Pakistan of its chronic problems were dubbed as highly laudable vows. Lauding new Finance Minister Asad Umar and other members of Khan’s dedicated team, FPCCI VP Karim Aziz Malik said retail sector should be taxed and expats should be encouraged to send money through banking channels by offering relaxations. He said that the government should cut indirect taxes, strengthen institutions, reduce trade deficit with China and bring back the stolen funds as soon as possible which will discourage corruption in future. Published in Daily Times, August 22nd 2018.