By M Qadeer
LAHORE: Lahore has the potential to become one of Pakistan’s leading centres of exports, investment and entrepreneurship, but achieving this goal requires a coordinated strategy focused on business facilitation, competitiveness, innovation and stronger engagement between the private sector and government institutions, says Ali Hussam Asghar, chairman of Pioneer Businessman Group and candidate for president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
Asghar said Lahore’s traders, industrialists and exporters possess the entrepreneurial capacity required to expand into international markets, but businesses need a supportive environment where production costs remain competitive, procedures are simplified and investment decisions are encouraged.
In an interview outlining his economic vision ahead of the LCCI elections, Asghar said the chamber should play a proactive role in helping businesses overcome practical challenges and creating opportunities for growth.
He said LCCI should not only represent business concerns but also work as a facilitator that connects entrepreneurs with policymakers, international markets, investors and emerging opportunities.
Lahore’s export potential needs stronger support
Asghar said Lahore has a diverse economic base comprising manufacturing units, trading businesses, exporters, SMEs and service providers.
According to him, the city has the skills, infrastructure and entrepreneurial culture required to contribute significantly towards Pakistan’s export growth.
However, he said businesses need stronger institutional support to compete in global markets.
Export competitiveness, he added, depends on multiple factors including production costs, energy availability, logistics, quality standards, technology adoption and access to international buyers.
“An exporter competes with the world, not only with local businesses,” he said.
Asghar said the chamber can support exporters by creating better linkages with foreign business organisations, trade bodies and international markets.
Export promotion should become a priority
Asghar said increasing exports should remain one of the key economic priorities for Lahore’s business community.
He said many businesses have the potential to enter international markets but require better information, guidance and connections.
According to him, LCCI can establish stronger export facilitation programmes to help businesses understand foreign market requirements, international certifications and changing consumer trends.
He said businesses should be encouraged to move beyond traditional markets and explore new opportunities in different regions.
Asghar added that export growth would not only strengthen businesses but also contribute towards employment generation, foreign exchange earnings and economic stability.
Investment requires confidence and stability
Discussing investment, Asghar said investors require confidence, consistency and a business-friendly environment.
He said entrepreneurs make long-term decisions based on factors such as regulatory clarity, operating costs, infrastructure availability and market opportunities.
According to him, improving the ease of doing business can encourage both domestic and foreign investment.
He said LCCI should work towards creating a stronger connection between investors, entrepreneurs and government institutions.
“Investment comes where businesses see opportunities and confidence in the future,” he said.
Asghar said the chamber can help by highlighting investment opportunities in Lahore and connecting potential investors with relevant sectors.
Reducing barriers for businesses
Asghar said unnecessary hurdles increase the cost of doing business and affect competitiveness.
He said businesses face challenges related to taxation procedures, compliance requirements, energy costs, infrastructure issues and interaction with multiple departments.
According to him, LCCI should develop a structured mechanism to document members’ concerns and pursue solutions through proper institutional channels.
He said effective representation requires continuous follow-up rather than only raising issues.
The objective, he added, should be to create a smoother business environment where entrepreneurs can focus on expansion and productivity.
Industrial growth linked with exports
Asghar said industrial development and export growth are closely connected.
A strong manufacturing base, he added, provides the foundation for sustainable exports.
He said industrial units require reliable utilities, modern infrastructure, skilled workforce and policies that encourage investment.
According to him, LCCI should maintain close coordination with industrial associations and understand the sector-specific challenges faced by manufacturers.
He said industrial growth creates employment opportunities and strengthens the overall economic ecosystem.
SMEs need greater opportunities
Asghar said small and medium enterprises can play a major role in expanding Pakistan’s economic base.
Many SMEs, he added, have the potential to become exporters but face challenges related to finance, technology, marketing and access to international buyers.
He said LCCI should develop programmes that help SMEs improve capacity, adopt technology and connect with larger supply chains.
According to him, supporting SMEs means supporting future industrial growth.
He said many successful businesses begin as small enterprises and grow when they receive the right opportunities.
Technology and innovation for future growth
Asghar said technology adoption is essential for businesses seeking competitiveness in modern markets.
He said global trade is changing rapidly, and companies must improve efficiency through digital solutions, innovation and modern management practices.
According to him, Lahore has a large pool of young talent that can contribute towards entrepreneurship and technology-driven business growth.
He said stronger cooperation between businesses, universities, startups and technology companies can help create new economic opportunities.
Government-business coordination
Asghar said constructive coordination between government and business community is essential for economic development.
He said businesses require supportive policies while government benefits from investment, employment, exports and increased economic activity.
According to him, LCCI should maintain regular engagement with government departments and present practical recommendations based on business realities.
He said dialogue and consultation can help address challenges before they become larger problems.
Asghar added that the private sector should be treated as a partner in economic development.
Building Lahore as a regional business hub
Asghar said Lahore has the potential to emerge as a stronger regional centre for trade, manufacturing and investment.
He said the city’s location, industrial diversity and entrepreneurial environment provide significant opportunities.
However, he added that achieving this potential requires coordinated efforts from businesses, government institutions and trade organisations.
According to him, the focus should remain on improving competitiveness, encouraging investment and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Vision for future LCCI leadership
With the LCCI elections scheduled for September 23 and 24, Asghar said the next chamber leadership should focus on measurable outcomes and practical solutions.
He said businesses need a chamber that remains accessible, understands their challenges and effectively represents them at relevant forums.
According to Asghar, the role of LCCI should expand from traditional representation towards becoming a stronger economic facilitation platform.
He said his vision focuses on creating a business environment where traders, industrialists and exporters can grow with confidence.
“Lahore’s business community has enormous potential. The responsibility is to create conditions where this potential can translate into investment, employment and economic growth,” he said.