All economic indicators moving in right direction: Dar

Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has said that all economic indicators are moving in right direction and the situation would get even better in coming months. Federal Finance Minister, who is also the former president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, was talking to the LCCI delegation comprising its president Abdul Basit and Awais Saeed Piracha, Moazam Rasheed, Mian Zahid Javed, Mian Abdul Razaq, Shahid Nazir, Chaudhry Khadim Hussain and Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim.
Muhammad Ishaq Dar said Pakistan had made a strong comeback and became stronger after 2013. "Foreign exchange reserves are at the record level, balance of payment is good while Pakistan Stock Market is one of the best performs. Macro-economic stability has caught the attention of the investors around the globe," Dar said. Dar said Bhasha dam would be constructed at any cost and China was being asked to include Bhasha in China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Kalabagh dam had been politicised, he said. Inviting the LCCI budget proposals, Ishaq Dar said the government always considered the proposals of the Lahore Chamber.
On the invitation of LCCI President Abdul Basit, Finance Minister promised to visit the LCCI soon. Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Abdul Basit highlighted the issues of refund of claims, attachment of bank accounts, misuse of discretionary powers and disparity in energy prices between the provinces. He said Halal food sector should be given zero rated facility as the country had a little share in the international Halal food trade of about three trillion dollars. He said that difference in gas and electricity prices should be removed to provide level playing field to the industries throughout the country. He also called for withdrawal of ban on new gas connections for the industry. He said Bhasha and Kalabagh dams were essential for the national economy. He demanded that new industrial zones should be developed around Lahore and in whole Punjab for catering the demands for establishing new industries.