Ali Hussam Asghar pushes for SME financing, policy stability in meeting with finance minister
Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiyani, Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Federal Secretary Finance and senior representatives from the Tax Policy Office, Federal Board of Revenue and Finance Division also attended the meeting.
LAHORE: Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Ali Hussam Asghar has called for improved access to financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), policy consistency and a supportive business environment to accelerate economic growth and boost exports.
During a meeting with Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Asghar presented the business community’s perspective on promoting SMEs, facilitating business expansion and strengthening Pakistan’s export potential.
He highlighted the need for a predictable policy environment, modernisation of industries and improved access to finance, stressing that continued consultation with chambers of commerce and industry was essential to addressing challenges faced by businesses.
Asghar also emphasised the importance of strengthening the SME sector as a major driver of economic activity, exports and employment generation.
The finance minister welcomed the LCCI president and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable economic growth through greater private-sector participation, enhanced competitiveness and an expanded export base.
Aurangzeb said exports must remain central to Pakistan’s growth strategy, with policies facilitating exporters in competing more effectively in regional and international markets.
Emphasising the need for an improved business environment, he said ease of doing business required a predictable policy framework, simplified regulatory procedures and effective coordination among relevant institutions.
He stressed that government policies should address business concerns, particularly those of SMEs, while supporting investment, productivity, employment generation and business expansion.
Aurangzeb said improving access to finance for SMEs, facilitating business expansion and encouraging investment in modernisation and capacity-building were essential to strengthening the sector.
Discussing taxation and regulatory policies, the finance minister said these should support productive economic activity while promoting documentation and broadening the tax base.
He emphasised evidence-based policymaking and constructive engagement with the business community to assess the impact of proposed measures on businesses, investment and employment.
Highlighting the importance of policy continuity, Aurangzeb underscored the role of the Tax Policy Office in maintaining engagement with the private sector and developing a medium-term tax policy framework.
He said a stable and predictable policy environment would enable businesses to make informed investment decisions and plan for long-term growth.
The finance minister reiterated the government’s commitment to working closely with chambers of commerce, industry representatives and other stakeholders to address business concerns, promote SMEs and facilitate exporters.
Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiyani, Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Federal Secretary Finance and senior representatives from the Tax Policy Office, Federal Board of Revenue and Finance Division also attended the meeting.
