The industrial base of the NWFP is a peanut in comparison with industrially developed areas of Punjab and Sindh. Our exporters and taxpayers could not therefore compete with their counterparts of these provinces in the performance awards given annually at the level of Federal of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).
A few local industrialists and exporters using locally available raw materials could manage to get performance award while the rest of businessmen despite having best performance failed to show up in the winner list.
This award ceremony would thus enable a score of NWFP based entrepreneurs, exporters and taxpayers to get recognition and subsequently awarded for their outstanding performance.
The businessmen of the year gold medal award would encourage the local taxpayers to pay their legitimate taxes to the govt. to qualify for the award. This event will therefore supplement the efforts of the tax collection machinery to widen the tax net and increase the quantum of revenue.
These are some of the considerations which encouraged me to take on the gigantic task of holding this award ceremony. There long-term benefits such as attracting industrial investment in the province and enhancement of the province own receipts and I am sure this maiden ceremony would strengthen the economy of the NWFP.