Finance Minister highlights economic stability in zoom meeting with chambers

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Apr, 2026) Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Thursday that government has brought economic stability, which provides the foundation for growth.

He was speaking in a zoom meeting with presidents of various chambers including Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and others business leaders, to discuss economic stability, trade, and business support measures.

Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted that targeted subsidies are being provided to support vulnerable segments of society. He also noted that the government has made a payment of 1.4 billion Dollars for the Eurobond and assured that all financial obligations will be fulfilled in the coming months.

LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol congratulated the government for raising Pakistan’s economic profile. He stressed that the government should address the rising shipping charges with the shipping companies and noted that remittances from GCC countries may decline, which requires review. He emphasized the importance of renewable energy, particularly solar and hydel, and suggested improving banking channels in Central Asia to enhance trade. He proposed that banks above a certain profit threshold be obligated to open branches in Central Asian countries, citing the potential of the market.

Jawed Balwani highlighted the need for Pakistan to negotiate with the United States to lower tariffs. He said the increasing cost of doing business is a major challenge and urged that freight rates be decreased.

Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Arif Imran called for the abolition of Section 7E to promote the real estate sector, restoring the final tax regime for exporters, promoting SMEs, and increasing the FBR threshold from Rs 250 million to Rs 350 million.

Usman Shaukat of RCCI asked for further relief in the current period, lowering policy rates, enhancing regional connectivity and trade, providing tax incentives to promote exports and import substitution, and introducing a real estate support package.

Zubair Motiwala emphasized reducing the cost of doing business to promote exports and suggested a comparative analysis of Pakistan’s business costs with regional countries.

Bilal Kayani noted that the government is trying to increase the tax net through better policy initiatives.

Hamid Ateeq highlighted that the Prime Minister has asked government departments to submit proposals to promote the real estate sector. Other participants included Rehan Hanif, President KCCI; Farooq Yousaf; Khurram Shehzad; Muhammad Ayub from Quetta Chamber; Jawed Balwani; and Farooq Yousaf Sheikh of FCCI, who shared sector-specific suggestions and feedback on trade facilitation and policy support.

The LCCI President said that collaboration between the government and the business community is essential to reduce the cost of doing business, expand regional and international trade, promote renewable energy, support SMEs, and encourage investment in the real estate sector.