SMEs, agriculture and construction sectors among our top priorities:PM

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Promotion of small and medium enterprises, agricultural development and provision of complete facilities to the construction sector is among top priorities of the government, said Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday. “Focusing on these sectors will not only accelerate the economic process but will also create employment opportunities in the country,” he said while chairing a meeting of the government's economic team in Islamabad. Imran Khan while agreeing to the proposal of imposing fixed tax on construction sector and declaring it as an industry directed the departments concerned to deliberate on it and a report be presented in this regard. The Prime Minister also directed the Advisor on Commerce to further activate SMEDA in order to improve coordination between federal and provincial departments and to remove obstacles in the way of development of SMEs. He also appreciated the efforts of Chairman Ehsaas Program Dr. Sania Nishtar in social development and poverty alleviation. The meeting reviewed in detail the steps taken for the development of small and medium enterprises, promotion of construction industry, progress on the flagship program of government on poverty alleviation 'Ehsaas' and steps taken by various ministries for development of economy. Governor State Bank of Pakistan gave a detailed briefing on the steps taken by central bank for the promotion of small and medium enterprises. The Prime Minister was informed that SMEs have a ninety percent share in national business activities and regulatory framework for the small industries has been further simplified. Chairman Ehsas Programme Dr. Sania Nishtar briefed the meeting on various public welfare schemes under the Ehsaas Programme, including scholarships for students, health facilities, technical education, legal assistance, ration scheme, kifalat program, nutrition program, financial assistance for education, and Sehat Insaaf Program. Meanwhile, a delegation of textile and garments sector businessmen also met the prime minister and took up their issues. Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar also called on Prime Minister Imran Khan. The premier expressed his satisfaction over the performance of the chief minister. He, however, directed Buzdar to adopt measures to control price hike and speed up police reforms in Punjab.