President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi has said that role of businessmen is crucial for economic development of the country. Government is working hard to ensure business friendly environment in the country. According to spokesman of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the President was speaking at the ceremony of "LCCI Achievement Awards - 2019". The LCCI President Almas Hyder, Senior Vice President Khawaja Shehzad Nasir, Vice President Faheemur Rehman Saigal, Executive Committee Members, former office-bearers, government top officials and a large number of businessmen were present on the occasion.
Dr. Arif Alvi said that business community is the economic force of the country and its role is crucial for the progress & prosperity of the country and they should help the government to achieve the economic goals. He said that government is taking long-term, mid-term and short term measures to bring the economy back on the rail.
He appreciated the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry for continuing with their excellent tradition of holding Achievement Awards Ceremony on regular basis and said that it is always important to recognize the efforts, accomplishments and success of individuals to motivate others. He said that Lahore Chamber has been a role model in almost every aspect. He added that by adding a number of facilitation centers under one roof, LCCI has set a good example for other chambers to follow. He said that role played by Lahore Chamber in carrying out corporate social responsibility is known among the business community of Pakistan. He also highly appreciated that LCCI's efforts for Green Lahore Initiative in response to The Prime Minister's Clean and Green Pakistan campaign.
Referring to one point related to making Pakistan a competitive economy, he said that public and private sectors have to work hand in hand to initially achieve the economic targets. Dr. Arif Alvi assured that the government will go extra mile for betterment of the business environment in Pakistan.
LCCI President Almas Hyder while highlighting the importance of Lahore in Pakistan's economy said that the contribution of Lahore in the national GDP is around 11 percent and it contributes around 20 percent to the economy of Punjab while its contribution in Income Tax, Sales Tax and Federal Excise collection is around 16 percent, 15 percent and 19 percent respectively.