Observer Report Peshawar
President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday said promotion of trade, business and tourism was imperative for sustainable economic development besides bolstering of industrialization and generation of employment opportunities for people.
Addressing a representative delegation of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) led by its President, Sherbaz Bilour here at Governor House, the President said traders and business community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was playing a key role in the country’s development and women entrepreneurs should be encouraged to give boost to socioeconomic development process. He said peace in Afghanistan was in the best interest of Pakistan especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its merged areas, which could serve a trade corridor for Afghanistan and onward to Central Asian Republics (CARs) following completion of CPEC projects. The President was of the view that an effective mechanism and close coordination between Government departments and trade bodies are necessary to promote business and industrialization in KP besides increasing volume of trade with Afghanistan and CARs.
He said Gwadar Port would prove a gateway and centre of business and trade activities not only for Pakistan but it would also benefit Afghanistan, CARs and entire region.
He said peace in Afghanistan and resolution of Kashmir issue was imperative for sustainable economic development of the entire region.
President Dr. Arif Alvi said border markets are being established with Iran and Afghanistan to facilitate business and trade activities besides encouraging small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He said the government is working on various reforms for simplifying payment of taxes through tax automation and has provided Rs 1.1 trillion rebate package to traders and business community despite coronavirus pandemic. The President said KP is blessed with mesmerizing natural beauty and a substantial revenue could be generated by promoting tourism in the province. He said tourism was a key sector of KP and its promotion would help generate employment opportunities for youth in the province.
He said KP had paid a heavy price in war against terrorism and held sacrifices of its people, business and traders community in high esteem.
