LAHORE: As part of the efforts of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry aimed at exploring new avenues for investment, trade, and economic gains, a Trade and Tourism Conference on ASEAN countries was organized in Lahore on Monday.
Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman, Governor Punjab, Kashif Anwar, LCCI President Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia, Adam Mulawarman Tugio, Ambassador of Indonesia, and others spoke on the occasion while Convener LCCI Standing Committee on ASEAN Raja Hassan Akhtar and EC Member Fareeha Younas were also present.
The governor felicitated the LCCI president for holding a conference on the topic. He said that it is also the chamber’s primary responsibility to look for new opportunities.
The governor said that Pakistan is going through extraordinary circumstances. The country is witnessing currency devaluation, and the economy is slowing down.
He said that the country remained on the brink of default in 2022, and many economists stated that it had already defaulted. But it came out of that situation and is now moving towards new opportunities.
Baligh-ur-Rehman said that there are many opportunities for businesspeople in ASEAN. He asserted that Pakistan has to improve its halal standards to occupy a place in the halal market.
He said that the government and all institutions are completely ready to facilitate the investors.
Talking about tourism, the governor said that Pakistan has huge of potential in terms of tourism. Investment is needed in tourism infrastructure, hospitality, restaurants, and hotels. He stressed that the LCCI Research department should conduct research in collaboration with embassies and work together in each sector.
LCCI President Kashif Anwar said that this event serves as an important platform for fostering collaboration and improving connectivity among private sector representatives from Pakistan and the member countries of ASEAN. It is our shared goal to bolster mutual trade and explore new avenues of economic cooperation.
Importance of ASEAN Region
He said that the ASEAN region has long been recognized as a dynamic economic powerhouse, and Islamabad is keen to harness the huge potential it offers for mutual benefit.
Anwar said that LCCI has always been at the forefront of supporting the economic development of Pakistan through supporting exporters and empowering the local business community.
He reaffirmed that solid commitment to this matter, as we believe that promoting international collaborations and partnerships is essential for achieving sustainable economic prosperity.
