By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: Multiple taxation, complex compliance requirements and rising operational costs are creating difficulties for traders and industrialists, said Mardan Ali Zaidi, former Executive Committee member of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and candidate for LCCI Executive Committee member for the 2027-28 term.
Speaking during his election campaign, Zaidi said the business community needed a more efficient and supportive regulatory environment where entrepreneurs could focus on growth, investment and employment generation instead of spending excessive time dealing with complicated procedures.
He said businesses were willing to fulfil their national responsibilities, including tax obligations, but the taxation system should be simplified and made more transparent to encourage economic activity.
“Businesses need policies that support growth rather than increase difficulties for entrepreneurs through complicated compliance procedures and unnecessary hurdles,” Zaidi said.
He said traders and industrialists were facing challenges due to increasing business costs, regulatory requirements and difficulties in managing multiple procedures across different departments.
Zaidi stressed that the LCCI should play a proactive role in identifying practical solutions and maintaining continuous engagement with government authorities to address the concerns of its members.
According to him, an effective chamber should not only highlight issues but also follow them through until meaningful progress is achieved.
“Representation means understanding the problems of the business community and working consistently for their resolution,” he added.
The former LCCI Executive Committee member said small and medium-sized businesses required special attention as they often faced greater pressure from rising costs and compliance obligations.
He called for improved coordination between government departments, easier procedures and policies that encourage investment and industrial expansion.
Zaidi said Lahore’s business community had a vital role in strengthening the economy and the chamber should provide a strong platform for traders and industrialists.
The LCCI elections for the 2026-27 term are scheduled for September 23 and 24, with candidates from various business groups contesting for Executive Committee positions.
Business leaders have frequently raised concerns about taxation complexity and regulatory compliance, saying that easier procedures can help improve competitiveness and economic activity.
A more streamlined compliance system could reduce administrative pressure on businesses and allow entrepreneurs to focus more on production, trade and investment.
Improving the ease of doing business remains a key challenge for Pakistan’s economy, where private-sector growth and job creation depend heavily on reducing unnecessary barriers for enterprises.
