Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Ali Hussam Asghar met on Tuesday to deliberate on export-led growth, better financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and a stable business policy environment.
Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiyani, the Governor of State Bank of Pakistan, the Federal Secretary Finance, and senior officials from the Tax Policy Office, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and Finance Division also participated in the talks. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb welcomed Ali Hussam Asghar and stated the government is dedicated to achieving sustainable economic growth by increasing private-sector involvement, boosting competitiveness, and widening the export base.
Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that a predictable and facilitative policy framework, along with simplified regulations and better inter-institutional coordination, is necessary to improve the ease of doing business. He emphasized the importance of addressing SME concerns to ensure that state policies promote investment, productivity, employment, and business expansion.
Ali Hussam Asghar shared the Lahore Chamber's views on facilitating business growth, improving finance access, and promoting SMEs. He also highlighted the need for modernization, export growth, and a supportive business ecosystem characterized by greater policy predictability.
Ali Hussam Asghar stressed that the government should maintain ongoing consultations with chambers of commerce and industry to ensure policies tackle ground-level challenges and support sustainable economic activity. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government must improve finance access for SMEs, encourage investment in capacity-building and modernization, and facilitate business expansion.
He added that there is a pressing need for targeted, practical measures to drive investment, encourage businesses to expand operations, and contribute to economic growth. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb also stressed the need to build confidence between government institutions and businesses by simplifying procedures.
He underscored the role of the Tax Policy Office in developing a medium-term tax policy framework and maintaining constant engagement with the private sector. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government is committed to working with industry representatives, chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders to facilitate exporters and promote SMEs.
He observed that building a competitive economy driven by productivity, investment, and exports requires sustained collaboration with the private sector.
