Minister calls for 20% export boost

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has called on Faisalabad's business community to set a concrete target of increasing the city's exports by 20 per cent, while assuring that the government would, in consultation with the prime minister, pursue the establishment of an Expo Centre in the city next year. Addressing the Business Excellence Awards ceremony organised by the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) to mark its 50 years of service, the minister urged the business community to translate Faisalabad's industrial strength into measurable gains in international markets. He said Faisalabad was a major industrial and export hub of Pakistan and required modern infrastructure and business facilities to realise its full economic potential. During his visit to the FCCI, Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated a Podcast Room, Passport Facilitation Centre and SMEDA Liaison Office. He said Faisalabad played a key role in the national economy, particularly through its textile and industrial sectors, and called for closer cooperation between the government and private sector to improve productivity, innovation and international competitiveness.