LAHORE: Minister of Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan said on Wednesday his ministry is trying to facilitate business activities and may introduce legislation in this regard.

Addressing a programme on the ease of doing business, which was organised by the All Pakistan Business Forum on Wednesday, the minister asked all stakeholders to give suggestions for creating conducive business environment.

He said legislation on e-commerce is in progress, adding that the government is going to launch a campaign to re-introduce Pakistani brands globally by the end of the year.

He said providing the business community with a suitable environment is the joint responsibility of the federal and provincial governments. The provincial governments should take steps to boost business activities and facilitate the business community, he added.

“Pakistan is heading in the right direction. But its pace of progress should be faster. The private sector should also join hands with the government in this regard,” he said.

Talking to the media, he said the first payment of the textile package will be given in the next few days as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a circular in this regard.

Mr Khan said Pakistan is more peaceful and prosperous than it was in 2013. He said Pakistan is among top 10 countries that have introduced business reforms. “Credit goes to the government for taking so many steps for the welfare of the business community,” he added.

The minister said foreign investment is coming to the country after the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). “The government is committed to boosting business activities.”

The energy issue is the biggest challenge facing the country after terrorism, he said. The government is tackling these issues in a befitting manner, he added.

Mr Khan said uninterrupted electricity supply is being ensured to the local industry.

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2017