By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE, October 28 — Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol has emphasized the urgent need for a one-window operation and regulatory reforms to strengthen Pakistan’s chemical sector, which he described as vital for industrial growth, export enhancement, and import substitution.
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He said that simplifying the overlapping regulatory framework would significantly improve the ease of doing business and allow the chemical industry to operate more efficiently. “All relevant government departments should be brought under a one-window operation so that industrialists can access all facilities in one place,” he said, adding that consultation with the business community is essential on key policy decisions such as power tariffs and industrial regulations.
Saigol made these remarks while addressing a delegation of the Pakistan Chemical Manufacturers Association (PCMA), led by Chairman Haroon Ali Khan, at the LCCI. Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, and Executive Committee members Rana Nisar, Moazzam Rasheed, Naeem Hanif, Anas Mahmood, and Muhammad Ahmed were also present.
PCMA Chairman Haroon Ali Khan said that the chemical industry is the backbone of Pakistan’s industrial structure as it provides raw materials to multiple sectors. He emphasized that countries focusing on domestic chemical production—particularly naphtha crackers—are now among the world’s leading exporting economies. He urged the government to prioritize and modernize this sector to achieve industrial self-reliance, boost exports, and reduce the import bill.
Khan pointed out that manufacturers are monitored simultaneously by multiple departments including EOBI, Civil Defense, PESSI, Dengue teams, Environment, and Labour, which creates unnecessary hurdles for doing business. He called for streamlining and simplifying the regulatory system, saying that the long-pending demand for establishing a naphtha cracker must now be fulfilled.
LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol assured that the Chamber would fully support the chemical industry in resolving its issues. “The chemical sector plays a crucial role in strengthening Pakistan’s industrial base and stabilizing exports. The business community must stand united to make its voice stronger and ensure its rightful demands are accepted,” he concluded.
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