Sustained Recovery, Export-Led Growth Central to Government Strategy: Bilal Azhar Kayani

Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani on Thursday reiterated that sustained economic recovery and export-led growth remain at the core of the government’s economic strategy, as he chaired an interactive session with leading representatives of Pakistan’s business community.

The session was held under the auspices of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as part of a continuing series of engagements aimed at strengthening public–private dialogue. It was attended by presidents and representatives of key business bodies, including the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), Pakistan Business Council (PBC), Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), and chambers of commerce and industry from Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Quetta, Sarhad, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot.

Senior officials from SIFC, the Federal Board of Revenue, the State Bank of Pakistan, and the ministries of commerce, industries, petroleum, and power were also present.

Discussions focused on key constraints and policy challenges affecting business growth in Pakistan, with particular emphasis on improving the overall economic and investment climate. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing a stable, transparent, and predictable policy environment to support private sector–led growth.

He emphasized that economic recovery anchored in export expansion remains a strategic priority, to be achieved through close public–private collaboration and effective institutional facilitation.

Participants appreciated the proactive and solution-oriented role played by the SIFC in easing business operations and strengthening investor confidence. Members of the business community highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue in advancing reforms and improving the ease of doing business.

Concerns were also raised regarding regulatory processes that continue to hinder business activity. Acknowledging these issues, the minister directed relevant ministries and departments to adopt coordinated and time-bound measures to ensure swift resolution. He also reviewed progress on decisions taken during the previous meeting and appreciated the efforts made by concerned departments, while agreeing on clear next steps to address outstanding and newly raised issues.

Concluding the session, Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani assured participants of the government’s commitment to maintaining regular and constructive engagement with the business community through this platform.