https://arab.news/mjkxz
- Shehbaz Sharif says he will hold these meeting twice a week, starting with the agriculture sector
- He says economy has improved, adding the private sector should help consolidate the gains
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Friday he would hold sector-wise meetings with local business leaders from next week, as he assured them the government would address their concerns while asking them to increase investment in the economy.
Pakistan has undertaken stringent economic reforms following a prolonged financial crisis that forced it to seek loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Since then, macroeconomic indicators have improved significantly, though the government acknowledges the need for further consolidation through policies aimed at boosting exports and attracting investment.
Sharif met with local business leaders in the same context, saying his administration would seek input from the private sector and work to resolve economic concerns to strengthen the country’s financial outlook.
“Next Thursday, we will have the first sector-wise meeting in my office,” he said during his interaction with the top business leaders.
“I want decisions,” he added. “This meeting will be held twice a week. The sector will be led by four people. From our side, there will be the concerned ministry and secretaries. We will sit and take decisions. There will be no chit chat.”
Sharif said the first meeting would focus on the agriculture sector and directed relevant officials to engage with top businesses across various industries to prepare for future discussions.
Earlier, he noted that Pakistan’s economy was gradually improving while emphasizing his administration now planned to focus on employment, production, exports, industry and commerce, where private sector support was crucial.
“We are just going to act as a catalyst to support your efforts [and figure out] how to further ease your business conditions and create an environment,” he said.
Sharif urged Pakistani industrialists to invest locally and encourage foreign investors to do the same.
“Share the success stories,” he continued, adding that he had always believed domestic investment was key before attracting foreign entrepreneurs.
“Together we will turn it into a partnership to keep the economy going,” he added.