SECP approves measures to boost Pakistan’s Business Ready ranking

Mettis Global reported that the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has signed off on a package of steps intended to lift the country's standing in the Business Ready ranking. According to the regulator, Pakistan is placed 17th among 101 economies in the Business Entry category, achieving a score of 86.64.

Under the changes, company registration details and later amendments will reach the Federal Board of Revenue automatically through an automated system. The SECP, FBR and Board of Investment are also set to work together on exchanging further information. Links covering environmental rules and permits will sit on the SECP website, which now also carries details of state support schemes for SMEs and women entrepreneurs.

The commission has also published statistics on newly registered companies broken down by gender, covering shareholders, directors, chief executives and beneficial owners. It intends to build and release similar gender-based datasets relating to directors and beneficial owners. The report adds that the measures are expected to bring greater transparency and easier access to information, tighten digital coordination among agencies, and lift Pakistan's Business Ready performance.