Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has assured the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) of the provincial government’s full support in addressing the concerns of traders and industrialists, promoting investment and accelerating industrialisation.
During a meeting with LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar, the chief minister said the government was speeding up digitalisation and removing bureaucratic hurdles to make Punjab a business-friendly province. The meeting discussed issues relating to the district economy, the PERA Force, proposed amendments to rules and regulations, industrial development and measures to encourage investment.
Maryam congratulated Asghar on his election as LCCI president and said the government was committed to resolving the problems faced by the business community. She said the introduction of the eBiz initiative was aimed at simplifying business-related procedures and improving access to government services for traders, industrialists and investors.
The chief minister said the provincial government was working to eliminate red tape and administrative obstacles that could impede industrial development.
She stressed the need for an enabling environment in which businesses could operate efficiently and investors could explore new opportunities.
Maryam assured the LCCI delegation that actionable proposals and recommendations concerning the business community would be considered for implementation. She said the government would continue efforts to facilitate commercial activities and promote industrial growth across the province.
Asghar appreciated the Punjab government’s initiatives and praised the performance of the chief minister and her team. He particularly commended efforts to maintain law and order, saying a peaceful environment was essential for business continuity, investor confidence and economic growth.
He also welcomed the government’s focus on digitalisation, the eBiz initiative and measures to remove administrative barriers to industrial development.
The LCCI president informed the chief minister that the chamber had proposed amendments to three laws, with the proposed changes submitted to the speaker of the Punjab Assembly. He called for stronger and sustained coordination between the government and the business community, saying consultation with traders and industrialists was necessary to develop policies reflecting ground realities and addressing practical challenges. Asghar stressed that a transparent regulatory framework, investor-friendly policies and timely resolution of business-related issues were essential to attract investment, expand industrial activity and strengthen Punjab’s economy.
He urged the government to maintain regular consultations with the chamber to ensure effective implementation of workable proposals and improve the business environment.
PML-N leaders Khawaja Waseem Afzal and Khawaja Shahzaib Akram were also present at the meeting.
