Stress in trade and industry is at its peak as they are inching towards bankruptcy due to prolonged lockdown and suspension of trade and industrial activities.
In a statement, LCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, Senior Vice President Ali Hussam Asghar and Vice President Mian Zahid Jawaid Ahmad said that not only export-oriented industry but the government would have to open all trade and industries with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as now they have nothing to spend, to pay utility bills or salaries.
They said that government has taken a good step by opening export-oriented industries but relief should also be given to other industries, small traders and shopkeepers who are in a deep trouble and facing severe financial crunch.
“They should be allowed to open their businesses whether for limited timings otherwise law and order situation can be worsened”, the LCCI office-bearers added.
They said that these people are backbone of the economy and playing a great role in providing employment and revenue. They said that allowing working for a limited time would be a great favor that would enable them to face the challenges posed in the context of coronavirus.
The LCCI office-bearers said that if small traders and shopkeepers are not allowed to open their businesses, they will not be able to stand on their feet for long.
