The president suggested the businessmen to make consortiums of leading entrepreneurs. — File Photo

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday invited the business community to convene a meeting of all political parties over economic reforms to devise a strategy for placing the economy on strong footings.

Talking to a delegation of the Pakistan Business Council here on Thursday at the Aiwan-i-Sadr, the president offered the presidency as the venue of the roundtable meeting, adding that he would participate in it as co-chairman of the PPP along with leaders of other political parties and not preside over it as president, according to presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar.

The president also suggested the businessmen to make consortiums of leading entrepreneurs and consider buying out and managing various state-run enterprises.

However, he said consortiums should only be of local entrepreneurs so that assets and equity remain in the hands of Pakistani nationals.

The president called for maximum involvement of private sector and asked the business community to adopt public-private partnership models in mega development projects.

The Pakistan Business Council delegation comprised Asad Umar, Chairman, Kamran, Y. Mirza, Abdul Razak Dawood, Ali S. Habib, Muneer Kamal, Sikandar Mustafa Khan and Asif Jooma.

However, members of the council expressed concern over inconsistency of policies and excessive role of government agencies in business and commerce.

The council members said that Pakistan needed home grown policies instead of guidelines and directives of international agencies.

They also offered suggestions which the president said would be forwarded to the government.

The president said if Pakistan's business community takes ownership of the economic policies and plays a proactive role, no international agency would be able to dictate Pakistan in economic sphere.

The council members were told that the government would continue to pursue economic reforms agenda despite difficulties and challenges.

He said that during all his foreign visits and interactions with the foreign dignitaries, he had been pleading for enhanced and preferential market access to the products of the country so that our economy could be put on sound tracks.

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

FORMER first lady Bushra Bibi’s video address to PTI followers has triggered a firestorm. Her assertion implying...
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...