Govt committed to protect local industry

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Revenue Haroon Akhtar Khan Tuesday said the government was committed to protecting and promoting the local industry as the strength of manufacturing base would determine the pace of growth, creation of jobs and prosperity of the country and the people in the years ahead.

"Increasing the manufacturing base by facilitating the local industry through removal of undue restrictions and provision of a level-playing field is the key to growing at a faster pace as a country and as an economy," he said while talking to a group of LED bulb manufacturers, who called on him here at the FBR House.

The delegation led by LED Bulbs Manufacturing Association President Sajjad Ahmad, apprised the minister of various taxation related issues facing them and sought the government's help for the removal of anomalies and restrictions hindering the growth of the industry.

They said the local LED bulbs industry was growing at a fast pace and even exporting products to the outside world, including some developed countries, and it needed a level-playing field by removing restrictions.

Haroon Akhtar Khan told the delegation the government was keen to promote the local industry and provide the private sector all possible facilities and rightful protections. "We want the private sector to grow and flourish as doing the business is not the government's business," he added.

He asked the association to come up with logical and realistic recommendations for consideration and incorporation in the next budget.