LAHORE: Exploration of new markets for Pakistani merchandise, reduction in cost of doing business, water scarcity and strong liaison between public and private sector would be the priority areas for the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry in the year to come.

This was stated by newly-elected President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Malik Tahir Javed, Senior Vice President Khawaja Khawar Rasheed and Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan while speaking at the LCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) here on today.

LCCI outgoing President Abdul Basit, Senior Vice President Amjad Ali Jawa, Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan, former LCCI Presidents, outgoing and incoming Executive Committee and a large number of LCCI members were also present.

Newly-elected President Malik Tahir Javed said that some areas were needed to be focused particularly to boost economy of the country.

He said that the LCCI would play a proactive role as a think-tank and will give reality-based suggestion to the government.

He said that water scarcity was one of the most concerning areas that must be focused on war footing.

Water is directly linked to the national economy as it generates cheaper electricity and enhances agri-production, not only to feed the people but to give raw materials, like cotton, to the industry.

He said the country had no dearth of water but confronting lack of storage issue. He said that 35 millions acre foot of water wasted to the sea annually.

He said to give a relief to the export-oriented sectors, its major issues should be resolved.

LCCI newly-elected Senior Vice President Khawaja Khawar Rasheed said that Pakistani Missions abroad should be given task to explore new markets and new buyers for Pakistani goods.

He said that branding and marketing could help Pakistani products to show their existence in the international market.