Planning and Development Board organized an event for showcasing Punjab’s contribution to the Doing Business Report 2020. The reform initiatives that were undertaken by this Government to improve the overall business environment in the province contributed to the unprecedented increase of 28 points in Pakistan’s ranking on the Doing Business Index. Minister for Finance Punjab Hashim Jawan Bakht, Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab (Economic Affairs & P&D) Salman Shah, Chairman P&D Board Habib ur Rehman Gillani, Secretary P&DB Imran Sikander Baloch, Secretary Board of Investment Omer Rasul, Chairman Lahore Chamber of Commerce Industry Irfan Sheikh, representatives of federal and provincial departments, media personalities and private sector also attended the ceremony.
Addressing the Ceremony, Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht said "Within just one year of our government, Pakistan has jumped upto 28 places in the international DB ranking and was placed as top reformer in South Asia and 6th in the World. This rise has been unprecedented in the recent past. This was the top agenda of the Prime Minister since day one however we should now work on bringing the number to double digits and also develop a healthy competition nationally between cities to progress more on indicators”.
He further added that crucial work on improving business environment is underway and will bear the intended results for making Punjab a business friendly province. He congratulated the P&D Board for taking forward the reform agenda aggressively and working on the improved ranking.
Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab, Dr. Salman Shah said that the improved rankings were a result of collaboration and coordination between departments and the commitment of the government to ensure ease of business for everyone and to encourage investors. He told that new investments will create new jobs and hence bring prosperity to the country.
Addressing the participants, Chairman P&D Board said, "As the focal agency for the Doing Business in Punjab, P&D brings all other departments and agencies on board and with the supervision provided by the Chief Secretary and Minister for Finance ensures seamless execution. He further added that government is working on the concept of regulatory guidelines with a view to rationalize, modernize and automate business regulations.
Secretary, BOI appreciated the efforts of all provincial departments who worked tirelessly to implement this reforms agenda. He stressed the need for effective and efficient coordination between the provincial and federal agencies.