LAHORE:Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has emphasized the need for consistent, predictable and business-friendly economic policies, stronger institutional coordination and sustained engagement between Parliament and the business community to accelerate Pakistan's economic progress.
Addressing the newly-elected office bearers and members of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani congratulated President Ali Hussam Asghar, Senior Vice President Sardar Usman Ghani and Vice President Chaudhry Khadim Hussain on their election and expressed confidence in their leadership.
The Chairman Senate acknowledged Lahore's historic contribution to commerce, industry and entrepreneurship, appreciating the business community's role in employment generation, industrial development and national prosperity. He said his visit was not merely to address the business community but also to listen to its concerns. He observed that issues relating to taxation, regulatory challenges, policy continuity and the cost of doing business were genuine and deserved serious consideration.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani stressed that a thriving economy required consistency, predictability and confidence. Describing the business community as a vital partner in national development, he emphasized that relations between the State and business sector must be founded on mutual trust, consultation and shared responsibility. He underscored the need to facilitate investment, strengthen industrial competitiveness, promote exports and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Highlighting Parliament's role, he said the Senate, as the House of the Federation, provided an important institutional platform through its legislative and oversight functions. He particularly referred to the role of the Senate Standing Committees on Finance, Commerce and Industries in examining economic challenges and facilitating engagement between stakeholders and policymakers. He assured the business community that the Senate would continue supporting a legislative and policy environment conducive to enterprise, protecting legitimate business interests and advancing national economic priorities.
The Chairman Senate encouraged LCCI to maintain active and constructive engagement with parliamentary institutions, noting that its practical experience, recommendations and sector-specific insights could contribute meaningfully to legislative deliberations and parliamentary oversight. He concluded that Pakistan's economic future rested on the collective strength of its institutions, entrepreneurs and people, adding that business prosperity generates employment, expands opportunities and strengthens the nation. He called for collective efforts to build a stronger, fairer and more productive economy.