*LAHORE: *Pakistan to launch an e-payment system as almost 97% work in thatregard had been completed, announced Punjab Finance Minister Dr AyeshaGhaus Pasha.
Speaking at the ‘Doing Business Reforms Exhibition’, organised by thePunjab Planning Department in collaboration with the World Bank on Monday,she said, “All provinces are on board and we are very close to fulfillingthis long overdue demand of our business community.”
Pasha said the private sector had played a huge role in contributingpositively to the economy, adding the government was committed toincreasing transparency and efficiency in administrative procedures. “Thiswill create an enabling environment for private-sector development and liftinvestors’ confidence.”
According to the provincial finance minister, the agenda for achieving thegoal of ease of doing business is to simplify procedures, cut down on costsand reduce time for starting and conducting business in Punjab.
“These initiatives will encourage investors to establish their businessunits, thus allowing the domestic industry to flourish, which will generateeconomic activities and eventually lead to export-led growth of theeconomy,” she said.
“Competitive business environment will foster investments, which will inturn create quality jobs, thereby elevating the socio-economic status ofthe public.”