Provincial Industries & Trade Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal while expressing his views on the provincial budget said that Punjab government under the able leadership of CM Punjab has presented an excellent budget despite facing difficult economic situation.
He commended that effective steps have been proposed for the welfare of financially deprived segments in the budget. He further appreciated that Punjab government on the pattern of federal government has written a new history by presenting a tax-free budget. He further lauded the financial team for presenting a balanced and welfare-oriented budget. The Minister also welcomed tax exemption in the upcoming budget for promoting small and medium scale business.
He maintained that with the introduction of markup subsidy and credit guarantee schemes, the economic activities and employment opportunities will be enhanced.
He disclosed that a huge amount of Rs8 billion has been allocated for the promotion of SME sector. He further added that in order to cater the needs of industry, Rs6 billion 87 crore have been allocated for preparing skilled human resource.
The Minister apprised that during the upcoming financial year such projects will be introduced which will increase additional employment opportunities.
Aslam Iqbal outlined that with the introduction of skilled youth programme, skill development, online learning and introduction of new technical education courses will usher positive changes. He further disclosed that more steps are being taken for providing ease in doing business.
He maintained that with the introduction of more than Rs56 billion tax relief, budget, business-friendly policies of the government will be strengthened. He informed that industrial estates of Lahore, Bahawalpur and Faisalabad will be completed on priority basis as with its completion economic and financial activities will be escalated.
The Minister intimated that projects worth Rs165 billion have been earmarked under public-private partnership and vowed that PTI government will continue to undertake steps for the provision of relief for the masses.
