Export-led growth requires business-friendly environment: LCCI

LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called for a business-friendly environment, simplified regulations and effective government facilitation to boost exports, accelerate industrial growth and achieve sustainable economic development.

LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar expressed these views while addressing a delegation of industrialists from Ferozepur Road, led by Adeeb Iqbal Sheikh, on Tuesday. Senior Vice President Sardar Usman Ghani and Vice President Chaudhry Khadim Hussain also spoke on the occasion.

Ali assured the delegation that the LCCI would approach relevant government departments to resolve industrialists’ problems and remove unnecessary hurdles. He announced that an ad-hoc committee, headed by Adeeb Iqbal Sheikh, would be formed to address key industrial concerns on a priority basis.

He stressed that regulatory enforcement should not disrupt industrial and commercial activities, adding that fines and corrective measures should be preferred over criminal proceedings wherever legally appropriate for rectifiable violations. Registration of FIRs was damaging the business environment, he pointed out.

The LCCI president maintained that the chamber’s complaint cell had been linked with the Prime Minister’s dashboard for economic ministries to facilitate the resolution of business grievances. Efforts were also underway to establish a Punjab government application enabling investors to apply for new industrial units and obtain licences through a streamlined process.

He proposed easy-term or interest-free loans for small industrialists to shift boilers and other machinery to environmentally friendly technologies. The delegation highlighted concerns over WASA bills, payment procedures, FIRs initiated by WASA and the Lahore Development Authority, and inadequate roads, drainage and sanitation facilities on Ferozepur Road.

Delegation leader Adeeb Iqbal Sheikh said industrialists were willing to pay genuine outstanding dues but urged authorities to resolve disputes through consultation and mutual understanding. Usman Ghani stressed the need to involve the business community in policymaking and protect the dignity of industrialists and traders.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026