PROVINCE REPORT
PESHAWAR: Businessmen, associated with diverse sectors extended their warmest congratulations to office bearers and executive committee of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and expressed optimism that the new leadership would work diligently to address the issues facing local traders.
After formal taking charge of their respective office by President Malik Imran Ishaq, senior vice president Naeemur Rehman and vice president Abid Pervaiz Awan, traders delegations attached with import, export, mobile accessories, Haj and Umrah, automobile/parts business drove, Pak International Business Forum with huge group into the chamber and felicitated the new cabinet and executive committee of the chamber, as well as former presidents and leadership.
President Malik Imran Ishaq, in exchange of views acknowledged the traders raising concerns over the prolonged border closure, imposition of multiple/double taxes, unwarranted actions by provincial and central authorities, implementation of anti-business policies, high fuel, energy prices what they said, are key factors that has pushed up cost of doing business and de-industrialization and stagnated the business and commercial activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
SCCI chief emphasized it is essential to have a comprehensive economic relief package for revival of industry and business in K-P.
Traders are the backbone of the country’s economy, so they must be facilitated and ensure all kinds of relief to them, he added.
“KP is far away from port city, due to which cost of doing business is very high as compared to other parts of the country”,
President Malik Imran Ishaq said the prolonged border closure has elevated economic owes of the business community as they were totally dependent on trade and business with neighbouring countries, subsequently, industry and business activities have slowed down, generating joblessness.
The SCCI chief welcomed all delegations and expressed his understanding of the difficulties faced by the business community.
President Malik Imran Ishaq said SCCI has always played a key in resolving business community issues under the motto of selfless services.
He asked traders to send problems/issues in written form to formally take up with relevant authorities at federal and provincial level for their early readdessal.
He furthermore assured that he would consult with traders to formulate viable proposals.
The SCCI president acknowledged the numerous challenges currently confronting the business community and urged the government and relevant departments to take practical steps to address these issues.
