Punjab government has hinted on re-opening markets and businesses across the province.
Speaking to a delegation of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), Punjab Minister for Industries Mian Aslam Iqbal stated that the government will allow businesses to be re-opened after the approval of provincial cabinet.
“Prime Minister Imran Khan has already announced an Rs1.2-trillion incentive package in order to facilitate exporters and other businesses, and soon the Punjab government will review the situation and gradually allow businesses to restart operations,” he noted.
The provincial minister has also directed Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company (FIEDMC) to ensure the timely inauguration of Faisalabad Expo Centre.
Rana Sikandar Azam Khan – President FCCI, informed the minister that businesses have somehow survived the first wave of economic repercussions of COVID-19 lockdown but any further extension in the lockdown will result in severe socio-economic impacts on the people affiliated to small and medium level industries.
Mr Sikandar further expressed his concerns over the fact that despite government’s decision to allow construction industry to resume its operations, number of sectors linked with the construction sector have not been allowed to work. He also urged the government to formulate suitable SOPs and a detailed plan to re-open the industries or else millions might slip below poverty line.
