By Attaul Mujeeb Zeeshan
According to the sources of Daily Notable, Minister for Small Industries, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Kausar Taqdees Gilani, visited the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and held a meeting with LCCI President, Kashif Anwar. Executive Committee Member Raja Hassan Akhtar and other members were also present at the occasion.
During his address, the President of the Lahore Chamber, Kashif Anwar, emphasized the importance of strengthening the relationship between the Lahore Chamber and the Azad Kashmir Chamber to promote business activities in the country.
He highlighted that all banks in Azad Kashmir are providing interest-free loans to small industries, which is a positive initiative where the Ministry of Small Industries plays a crucial role. Additionally, industrial areas are being established in Azad Kashmir through the efforts of this ministry. Moreover, a five-year tax holiday is being provided in Azad Kashmir, which will undoubtedly be a significant relief for existing and new industries. Kashif Anwar mentioned that these efforts will greatly facilitate small and medium-sized industrialists.
Speaking about the LCCI’s extensive work for women’s empowerment, including the establishment of the Women Empowerment Lounge and the Women Entrepreneur Counter. For the first time, the Lahore Chamber organized the Women’s Recognition Ceremony, with President Dr. Arif Alvi as the chief guest. He emphasized that the chamber has worked for industry, economy, and tax compliance, which is essential for the national economy.
The chamber has signed memorandums of understanding with educational institutions and hospitals to ease inflation for its members and staff. He stressed the need to focus on water reservoirs and new dams to ensure affordable hydroelectricity and mitigate flood risks. Furthermore, the chamber has done significant work for disabled individuals and breast cancer awareness and continues to provide ongoing awareness in these areas. Kashif Anwar suggested that a memorandum of understanding should be signed between the Lahore Chamber and the Azad Kashmir Chamber to benefit the people of both regions.
Minister for Small Industries, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Kausar Taqdees Gilani, expressed her delight at learning that the Lahore Chamber has more than 1,000 female members and is a historic and premier chamber. She noted that 80% of the people in Azad Kashmir are educated, and 70% of the population is under 35 years old. Providing employment to this large youth population is a priority, achievable through skills and education.
She emphasized the need to gather experiences from across the country for the industrialization of Azad Kashmir, and the support of the Lahore Chamber is crucial in this regard. A strong Pakistan and a robust economy are essential for a strong Azad Kashmir; if the Pakistani economy faces issues, it affects us too.
Dr. Kausar highlighted the need to revive the textile sector to prevent the textile market from moving to Bangladesh and other countries and to increase exports.
She proposed organizing a conference on this topic in collaboration with all chambers and inviting Punjab businesses to participate in exhibitions in Azad Kashmir and support the local population. She noted that electricity rates in Azad Kashmir are lower, presenting a golden opportunity for establishing industries there. She emphasized the potential in gemstones and tourism in Azad Kashmir, which need to be strengthened.
