Speaking at a meeting of Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Governor quoted that according to the World Bank Report, there has not been a single percent increase in exports of Pakistan during the last five years. However, our imports have jumped to staggering increase of 7 percent during the same period. Governor emphasized the need to stop those who are involved in tax theft.
He said the government is focused in addressing all the issues with regard to export. He recalled that Prime Minister Imran Khan has already announced Karachi package of 5 projects including Desalination Plant, Northern Bypass, Water Treatment Plant, Green Line Project and Circular Railway.
Governor Ismail also mentioned that he had discussions with the Sindh Chief Minister on K4 project and the Federal Government would give full support to the Sindh Government. However, he pointed out that there are some technical issues and after resolving the same we would make every effort to complete this project as soon as possible.
Governor said Pakistan is blessed with all the rich mineral resources and to get benefit from it and start new projects, Federal government would give full support to the Sindh government.
He informed that Prime Minister Imran Khan is soon going to present first 100 days report and would comprehensively take nation in confidence regarding his government's plan for the future ahead.
He lamented that we could have still lived without the import of those luxurious items. Governor Sindh highlighted that there are a lot of expectations of the people from the PTI government as we have been advocating for change during our 22 years of struggle.
He briefed that in the past, water was used without any care as a resource which had no cost and we are now working on it as a humanitarian issue. Imran Ismail assured that he will talk to SSGC with regard to issue of gas supply. He said his father Abdullah Ismail started from KATI as one of the founding fathers of the Korangi Association. It has only been 3 months of the new government and PTI would want support from all, Governor said.
While speaking on the occasion, S M Muneer said Prime Minister Imran Khan is taking keen interest to increase our exports. Sadly, in Faisalabad, 80 percent of the industries are closed and it is high time that practical actions are taken to reopen these industries and to enhance exports it is the need of the hour to immediately pay back the refunds of the exporters.
KATI president Danish Khan said including China, Prime Minister Imran Khan has visited all the countries so far, he has talked about increasing exports. He emphasized that Agro Industry should especially be focused as China is the largest import of agro based products and after completion of CPEC; China could massively import fruits and vegetables from Pakistan.
He urged to work diligently for the progress of Pakistan and prime minister should give a 10 year plan that how we could increase our exports to $40 billion and could get rid of loans forever. He also highlighted the need for immediate Karachi package announcement.
Zubair Chhaya suggested that there must be separate bodies for trade sector. He lamented that Industrial Park has been engulfed by politics and even electricity is not provided there. He urged that this 250 acre park needs attention for making it fully operational so that it can boost national economy.
Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan mentioned that he has always heard Prime Minister Imran Khan talking about elimination of corruption and this is the reality that if corruption can be fully rooted out from the country then there is no reason why Pakistan could not prosper.
FPCCI vice president Zahid Saeed was of the view that unless resolving issues of the industries in the city, issues of Karachi could not be solved. He shared that previously in the Industrial Park, there were 65 members from the private sector, but today all 65 members are political and this is the reason of downfall of the Industrial Park.
KATI SVP Faraz-ur-Rehman, vice president Maheen Salman, Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Gulzar Firoz, Zain Bashir, Masood Naqi, Johar Ali Qandhari, Hanif Gohar, Farhan ur Rehman, DC Korangi Ms. Quratulain and others were also present.