LCCI president discusses industrial challenges with Punjab governor

LAHORE
Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol met with Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and discussed in detail the promotion of industrial and business activities in the province, challenges being faced by industries, and measures to improve the business environment.
Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan said that involvement of all stakeholders in policymaking was essential for sustainable industrial development. He said that decisions made without considering ground realities could not deliver long-term results. The government was focusing on comprehensive and consultative policymaking and would take all possible measures to address the concerns of the business community.
The Governor appreciated the business community for continuing to invest despite difficult economic conditions, calling it a manifestation of patriotism. He assured that the issues faced by industrialists would be brought to the attention of the relevant senior authorities.
LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol thanked the Governor Punjab and said that the prompt response from the Governor House to the concerns of the business community reflected the government’s seriousness in addressing business-related issues.
He said that more than 1,400 industries were operating in various industrial areas of Lahore, providing employment to millions of people. However, these industries were facing high commercialization fees, administrative hurdles and other challenges, creating concerns about the continuity of industrial activities.
Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol called for existing industrial areas to be given the status of formal industrial zones and for a substantial reduction in commercialization fees. He said this would help address the difficulties faced by industries, ensure continuity of industrial and business activities, and protect millions of jobs.
He said that a large number of industries had been operating in several industrial areas of Lahore for decades and were playing an important role in supporting the local economy, exports and employment. Therefore, decisions regarding the future of these industries should be made after taking into account ground realities and their economic contribution.
The LCCI President also stressed the need for effective involvement of the private sector in proposed industrial relocation plans. He said that no policy could succeed without the confidence and consultation of industrialists. Industries were established through decades of investment and hard work; therefore, decisions regarding their relocation must take into account alternative facilities, business costs, infrastructure and meaningful consultation with the business community.