Latest news with #QaiserAhmedSheikh
Express Tribune
16-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Centre-province ties urged for business ease
Listen to article A significant high-level meeting was held on Thursday at the Board of Investment (BOI) Karachi, chaired by Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh. The purpose of the meeting was to review the ongoing reforms under the Pakistan Regulatory Modernisation Initiative (PRMI) aimed at improving the business environment in Pakistan. The meeting began with welcome remarks from the additional secretary of BOI, who appreciated the participation of key stakeholders. Attendees included the CEO of the Pakistan Business Council, special secretary for industry from Punjab, secretary of the Sindh Investment and Trade Department and representatives from the Sindh Investment Board. Representatives from Punjab and Sindh provided detailed briefings on the ongoing efforts to promote regulatory reforms and ease of doing business in their respective provinces. The secretary for investment from Sindh highlighted the "One-Stop Service" initiative launched in the province, which is proving to be a milestone in providing swift and integrated facilities to the business community. The meeting focused on improving coordination between the federal and provincial governments, enhancing the effectiveness of digital platforms, supporting small and medium enterprises and developing skills. Participants emphasised that a strong and sustainable business environment can only be established through harmonised laws and partnerships. Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh appreciated the efforts of all relevant institutions and stated that the government is committed to keeping the reform process integrated and making decisions through continuous consultation with all stakeholders. He added that such meetings play a vital role in restoring the confidence of the business community and promoting investment.
Express Tribune
12-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Efforts underway to boost investment
Listen to article Federal Minister for Investment and Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has said that as a businessman himself, he understands problems of the private sector and their concerns about investment and policy hurdles. Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the minister stressed that BOI was making all-out efforts to promote domestic and foreign investment. He lamented the decline in Pakistan's global standing, saying there was a time when countries like China learnt from Pakistan, "but today China's exports have surged past $3.5 trillion while Pakistan's exports remain around $32 billion". He noted that Pakistan possessed tremendous potential, but it needed to be unlocked through visionary reforms and investor facilitation. In this regard, bureaucratic red tape must be eliminated to ensure the smooth development of businesses. Regarding the promotion of domestic and foreign investment, he told businessmen that industries operating in Pakistan's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) were enjoying benefits such as zero duty on imported machinery and a 10-year income tax holiday, which should also be availed of by other businessmen. Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad stated that the Lahore Chamber "considers investment as the cornerstone of economic development". He acknowledged BOI's pivotal role in investment promotion and shared some positive economic indicators, including a significant decline in inflation to 0.7% in March and an increase in foreign exchange reserves to $15.7 billion. Similarly, remittances have soared 32.5% to above $24 billion. He suggested that the rupee-dollar exchange rate should be brought down to 250, which was within reach. There are also hopes that the policy rate, which has dropped to 12%, will be in single digits soon. However, he pointed out that the investment-to-GDP ratio stood at a mere 13.1%, with private investment contributing just 8.7%, which was not sufficient for sustainable economic growth. He stressed that development was not possible without increasing domestic investment.
Express Tribune
27-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Call for digital empowerment of women
Experts at the Devcom-Pakistan conference titled "Digital Futures'2025: Bridging the Gender Divide for Women's Empowerment in Pakistan" have called for the urgent need to digitally empower women to address the gender divide and strengthen women's empowerment in Pakistan. The conference, which coincided with National Women's Day (February 12) and International Women's Day (March 8), brought together influential policymakers, activists, and experts to discuss the role of digital technology in advancing gender equality. The conference highlighted critical recommendations aimed at empowering women through digital tools and resources. Experts emphasised the importance of widespread digital literacy programmes tailored for women, particularly in rural areas. These programmes should focus on basic technology skills, online safety, and digital entrepreneurship, equipping women with the tools to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Access to affordable and reliable internet and digital devices is essential for women to participate in the digital economy. Stakeholders recommended that the government and private sector collaborate to improve connectivity in underserved areas, ensuring that women can engage in online education, e-commerce, and other digital platforms. Experts called for the development of policies that promote gender-inclusive digital spaces. This includes addressing online harassment and discrimination and creating safe environments for women to express themselves and participate in the digital economy. Women entrepreneurs need targeted support to thrive in the digital economy. The conference advocated for incubators, mentorship programs, and access to funding specifically designed for women-led tech startups and digital businesses. They said the potential of social media to promote gender equality and women's empowerment was also discussed. Experts recommended utilising these platforms for advocacy, awareness campaigns, and community-building, as well as to challenge harmful stereotypes and elevate women's voices in tech-related fields. The Focal Person of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme, Batool Syeda Amna discussed ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering youth, particularly young women, through digital training and skill development. She said the theme of this conference resonates deeply with the core values of the Prime Minister Youth Programme – a programme that is committed to empowering the youth of Pakistan, especially young women, through access to education, digital platforms, and leadership opportunities. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said, "We live in an era where technology, particularly digital platforms, has become the great equaliser.
Express Tribune
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
University campus to be inaugurated in Chiniot
CHINIOT: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has announced the upcoming inauguration of a new campus of GC University Chiniot, a project worth Rs2 billion, which aims to provide higher education opportunities to local students. He was addressing an open court in Chiniot to address public issues, where citizens raised concerns regarding cleanliness, health, electricity, gas, and other basic facilities. The minister issued directives to the concerned departments to resolve these issues promptly and assured the public that all complaints would be addressed on a priority basis. He said he would bear the educational expenses of deserving students.
