Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT) Launches “Investor Aftercare Program”

Friday, May 15, 2015

Date: May 15, 2015
Venue: 90 Shahrah e Quaid e Azam, Lahore 

Punjab Board of Investment and Trade in coordination  with the  Chief Minister Punjab’s office organized a networking event by the name of “Leaders’ Dinner” on 15th May, 2015. It was held at 90 Shahrah e Quaid e Azam, Lahore  and Honourable Chief Minister Punjab, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif graced the event with his presence as the Chief Guest.

The event was organized to share Private Sector led Growth Strategy of Government of the Punjab and to formally launch the Investor Aftercare Program by Punjab Board of Investment and Trade to bridge the gap between the investor/business community and the government.

Investor Aftercare Program is the first ever initiative taken in the history of Pakistan to support and facilitate the existing investors in their expansion plans and to assist them smoothly in running their operations. The motivated and competent team of Punjab Board of Investment and Trade is reaching out to the top tier, middle tier and newly established companies in helping them resolve these issues which are hampering the growth and smooth running of business.

The event was a big success with participation from all the leading domestic and international companies present in the country. Think tanks and decision makers from public and private sector including the Chief Executives and Chairmen of top multinationals showed up to endorse the outstanding initiative taken by Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT).

The highlight of the event was Chief Minister Punjab’s candid and warm address to the guests. He assured businesses on Government’s role and efforts to improve business enabling environment and competitiveness in the economy. He also stressed upon the need for businesses to the lead the process for growth and reap benefits from GSP Plus status, China Pakistan Economic Corridor and Special Economic Zones. He shared initiatives being taken by Government at strategic, political and economic level and desired support and confidence of business community in Pakistan.

CEO Punjab Board of Investment & Trade, Mohammad Ilyas Ghauri gave a detailed briefing to the participants about the Investor after care programme and said that “Our flagship initiative at PBIT is the Investors’ Aftercare Program whereby numerous domestic and foreign business entities operating in Punjab are being approached to extend facilitation and handholding. A dedicated team of trained and competent individuals has been formed to reach out to these businesses and to follow up on the problems they are facing and the new opportunities they want to explore.

The Aftercare Program is expected to cover wide-ranging activities for all investors. These may include helping businesses in acquiring licenses, permits, and resolution of issues. Strategic services would be offered that influence the future direction of the firm, the development of new capabilities and the corporate development path. These include support to the development of new, higher value-added products, nurturing local suppliers to international standards, and policy advocacy.”

 He  talked about the other initiatives taken by the Punjab Board of Investment & Trade which include the Information and Advisory Services and formal mediation center and commercial court legislation as part of our Investor Aftercare.

Chairman PBIT, Mr. Abdul Basit while addressing the audience said that “We feel ecstatic that we have initiated the Investors after Care Program with you, and hope that we receive even more lively response from you for and provide us opportunity to serve you. It is only with mutual cooperation and passion that we can take this forward and make it a success.”

Mian Muhammad Mansha, a prominent Pakistani industrialist and entrepreneur participated as a guest speaker and representative of the private business community of Punjab. He appreciated the commitment and tireless efforts of Chief Minister Punjab, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT). Furthermore, he highlighted the untapped potential opportunities in the financial, textile/garment, and energy sectors of Punjab.

Another guest speaker was the CEO Telenor Pakistan Mr. Michael Patrick Foley who spoke about the telecommunication industry of Pakistan and much appreciated the efforts of Pakistan Government.

Prominent figures from business community and public sector who attended the event included Minister for Industries Chaudhry Muhammad Shafique, Minister for Finance, Mian Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman, Minister for Labour, Raja Ashfaq Sarwar, Pervaiz Malik Member National Assembly (MNA), Mr. Shehryar Baksh Director HKB and many other. Many high profile political leaders, media personalities and government officials were also present at the said occasion.