*Focus on SME Challenges, Taxation, Export Constraints, and New Regional Connectivity Opportunities
Islamabad : Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) for industries and production Haroon Akhtar Khan held a meeting with the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI). The meeting was attended by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Industries & Production, the CEO of the Engineering Development Board, the Acting CEO of SMEDA, and representatives of the Drug Regulatory Authority.
The meeting focused on the key issues faced by the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
The SCCI delegation highlighted that Peshawar holds tremendous potential in sectors such as gemstones, pharmaceuticals, and other emerging industries. However, they noted that inadequate product finishing facilities and a lack of infrastructure are hindering the city’s export capabilities.
The Chamber informed the SAPM that although the approval for the Peshawar Expo Centre was nearing completion, the project has suffered delays and requires urgent government intervention. They further stressed that high taxation, rising utility costs, and inadequate facilities have pushed SMEs in Peshawar to the brink of collapse.
The Chamber also raised concerns that security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have dealt a severe blow to business activity in the region. Additionally, they highlighted that commercial banks are not providing the State Bank’s SME financing schemes in KP, and urged the government to intervene.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan assured the delegation that, under the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, all issues raised by the Sarhad Chamber will be addressed promptly. He stated that the Prime Minister is working tirelessly for the uplift of small, micro, and large business communities across the country.
Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized that all policies and efforts of the Ministry of Industries & Production are focused on resolving business challenges and strengthening the national economy. He highlighted that new railway corridors connecting Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to Pakistan will bring significant benefits to businesses in KP. Improved regional connectivity, he added, will also help address challenges related to security, infrastructure, and underdevelopment.
He noted that the upcoming National Industrial Policy includes comprehensive solutions to taxation issues and the broader concerns of the business community.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan directed all stakeholders to submit concrete proposals for resolving their issues and formally included the Sarhad Chamber as part of various government committees.
The President of the Sarhad Chamber appreciated the efforts of the Prime Minister and SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan for promoting industrial growth in the country.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
