PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has stressed the need for close collaboration and mutual consultation between relevant government departments and chambers of commerce to improve industrial and commercial sectors in the province.

He said that the provincial government’s Ease of Doing Business Act was in its final stages, which was aimed at establishing a one-window operation to provide all necessary facilities to industrialists, traders and investors.

He was talking to a delegation of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) at the Chief Minister’s House, according to a statement issued here on Saturday.

Mr Gandapur said formulation of Industrial Policy 2025 was underway, inviting experts associated with chambers of commerce to share their suggestions to create a robust and effective system. “The provincial government is working under a comprehensive strategy to resolve issues faced by the industrial sector.”

Seeks experts’ input for upcoming industrial policy

The chief minister underscored the vital role of industries in economic development and job creation, noting that the province offered immense opportunities for private investment.

The provincial government, he said, was committed to encouraging private investors and providing them with all necessary facilities, including offering locally produced electricity at concessional rates.

“We are committed to collaborating with the private sector experts for better results,” the statement quoted Mr Gandapur as saying. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to resolving industrialists’ issues on a priority basis.

The chief minister said that tax relief within the provincial jurisdiction had already been provided to support business activities and strengthen the local economy. He also highlighted that the provincial government had launched interest-free loan programmes to promote entrepreneurship, including loans for technical degree holders.

Mr Gandapur said that a memorandum of understanding had been signed to implement Home Stay Tourism Project, a unique initiative of the provincial government, aimed at boosting tourism and employment. He stressed the importance of ensuring food safety and urged industry owners to cooperate with the government to protect public health.

The statement said that matters related to promoting industrial and commercial activities, addressing challenges faced by the sector and initiatives of the provincial government to attract private investment in the region came under discussion.

The FPCCI delegation appreciated the provincial government’s initiatives to promote industrial and commercial activities, and thanked the chief minister for taking a keen interest in resolving the challenges faced by industrialists and traders.

Special assistant to the chief minister on industry Abdul Karim, secretary industries and other relevant officials were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2025