By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: October 23 – LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol Thursday met Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan and discussed economic issues being faced by the business community.
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During his visit to Islamabad in connection with the SIFC meeting, the LCCI President called on the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan and the Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan in their respective offices.
Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol apprised Haroon Akhtar Khan of the serious challenges confronting the business sector and also appreciated the IMF staff-level agreement, saying it would help bring more stability to the economy. He also lauded the government’s ongoing efforts and its positive projection of growth, expressing hope that these measures would translate into tangible benefits for the business community and industrial sector.
The LCCI President emphasized that the Export Finance Scheme (EFS) must not be misused and that the issuance of SROs should always be carried out in consultation with the business community. He pointed out that exports were higher before the implementation of the EFS, but they have declined afterward, which demands a thorough review of the scheme’s effectiveness.
Haroon Akhtar Khan, while responding, said that financial discipline is being restored and the government is fully committed to facilitating the business community. He assured that the business community will be taken on board in all economic and industrial matters and that regular meetings will be conducted for consultation and feedback. He further stated that he, along with his team, will soon visit the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry to engage directly with its members.
In his meeting with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, the LCCI President highlighted the pressing issues faced by the industrial and export sectors, stressing the need for urgent reforms and practical facilitation measures to revive business confidence and enhance competitiveness.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen trade, boost exports, and improve the ease of doing business. He said that despite global and domestic challenges, the government is pursuing policies aimed at sustainable economic recovery, industrial revitalization, and export diversification. The Minister assured that the Ministry of Commerce is committed to addressing the concerns of the business community and implementing reforms that enhance competitiveness and attract investment. He further stated that he will soon visit the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry to engage directly with its leadership and discuss sector-specific challenges and opportunities.
The LCCI President stressed the importance of taking the business community on board while formulating business-related policies. He said that policies made without stakeholder consultation often lead to practical challenges and hinder economic activity. Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol emphasized that inclusive policymaking — developed in coordination with chambers of commerce and trade bodies — ensures realistic, effective, and growth-oriented outcomes for the national economy.
