Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed on Tuesday about the government’s intensified consultations with the private sector, especially exporters, to enhance port infrastructure and fully operationalize Gwadar Port.

The update was given during a meeting focused on economic growth, industrial development, boosting exports, and resolving challenges faced by the business sector, attended by the prime minister and industry leaders.

Officials reported that relief efforts for citizens, businesses, and investors have been rolled out within existing budget limits. They noted Pakistan’s growing potential for industrial and investment expansion, adding that the government is prioritizing better communication with the private sector to ensure policy support as the country moves towards economic recovery.

To help local businesses compete globally, the government is working to lower production costs—particularly electricity prices—and is also digitizing the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to streamline business and investment procedures.

They further mentioned that the privatisation of state-owned enterprises is being accelerated to shrink government size and improve efficiency.

Officials highlighted the historic launch of a modern IT ecosystem, including the development of AI-driven systems in agriculture. Efforts are also underway to modernize the sector through the introduction of advanced technology, high-quality seeds, and updated farming tools.

Industry leaders from key sectors like textiles, agriculture, cement, and IT participated in the meeting, sharing their insights.

In his address, Prime Minister Sharif commended his team’s hard work in stabilizing the economy and said the next phase would focus on accelerating growth, expanding exports, creating jobs, advancing industrialisation, and attracting foreign investment.

He emphasized the importance of tapping into local resources to achieve self-reliance and economic development, valuing the private sector’s input in shaping economic policy.

The prime minister announced he would personally engage with the business community monthly to include them in the national economic dialogue.

He expressed optimism that future meetings would be productive and meaningful, ensuring continued engagement with private sector representatives and experts from various industries.

Concluding his remarks, the premier called for collective effort and collaboration to achieve long-term national progress.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office noted that participants commended the government’s role in stabilizing the economy and finalizing a crucial IMF deal to safeguard the country’s financial future.

They described the budget as a business-friendly measure and urged alignment of policies with the needs of industry, investment, and trade.

Participants also called for enhanced investor and exporter facilitation to boost foreign investment in Pakistan.

They applauded tax system reforms and improvements in customs processes by the FBR, and appreciated the inclusion of private sector suggestions in policy-making for industrial advancement.

Several federal ministers and senior officials, including Rana Tanveer Hussain, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ataullah Tarar, Awais Leghari, and others, were present at the meeting.