Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani on Friday said the government was actively pursuing a comprehensive consultative process with chambers of commerce, trade associations, and exporters to boost export-led growth and strengthen the country’s economic foundations.
Responding to questions in the National Assembly, he said the Prime Minister personally chaired extensive interactions with the business community, including a recent three-hour session with representatives from major sectors to obtain feedback and guidance from those “directly engaged in economic activity”.
He said, on the Prime Minister’s instructions, he held monthly meetings with presidents of major chambers across the country to resolve issues related to taxation, energy costs, and business facilitation.
“Exports remain our top priority, and sustainable economic recovery will only come through export-led and private sector-driven growth,” he added.
Kayani said the National Export Development Board, chaired by the Prime Minister, was also actively reviewing export challenges and opportunities, while the government continued working on measures to ease energy costs and improve the overall business climate.
Addressing concerns regarding foreign companies exiting Pakistan, he clarified that while some international firms had restructured or divested due to global and strategic decisions, “several new international businesses have also entered the Pakistani market”. He added that local enterprises had successfully acquired operations of some exiting firms, reflecting confidence in Pakistan’s improving economic trajectory.