Governor calls for govt-business cooperation to boost economy

Business Recorder reported that Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan urged closer cooperation between government and business to speed up development, raise investment and exports, while generating jobs. Speaking to a Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) delegation led by President Ali Hussam Asghar, he congratulated the newly elected leadership. He pledged that Governor House would stay open to the business community and would pass their proposals to federal and provincial authorities.

The chamber's priorities, as its president outlined them, cover industrial growth, export expansion, investment promotion, job creation and a better business climate. Senior Vice President Sardar Usman Ghani raised problems in industrial zones such as Saggian, Mahmood Booti and Kahna Kacha, and sought talks on commercialisation and conversion fees along with a rethink of land rates in Saggian. Vice President Chaudhry Khadim Hussain called for more facilitation for traders and industrialists, saying coordination with the private sector is key to growth.

Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, speaking during a visit to the chamber, outlined Punjab's plans covering electric buses, taxis and motorcycles, public transport and rail schemes. He said about 90 percent of the 1,100 electric buses in the province are already running, with the rest due to operate soon and serve around 500,000 daily commuters. He added that Sunder Industrial Estate will join the wider transport system.