Dr. Usman Chohan (Economic Expert):The government is extending all out facilitations to export related sectors to uplift national economy. The government has done very good job in this regard and announced to set up Trade Facilitation Board to further facilitate the businesses and lower the cost of doing business. The government has also done great work in the sector of digital economy. Moreover, the government has also followed almost entire economic roadmap provided by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and it has boosted the confidence of the international investors and business in the economic policies of Pakistan. Now we have SIFC which offers immense services to investors and businesses under one roof and at one window. So, I think that government’s resolve to uplift national economy has produced very positive and good results. However, we need to train our work force in the much required and higher paid technologies to meet international standards for getting better wages for services. Moreover, I think that government needs to expand the facilitation to other sectors from the traditional export related sectors. These sectors can be science and technology and information technology. Therefore, in a bid to promote our exports, the government needs to focus on these sectors. More importantly, government needs to reduce energy prices to lower the cost of production for competitive environment to the products of other countries in the international market.  

Zafar Bakhtawari (Business Leader): I think that it is very positive indication and development that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government's steadfast commitment to long-term economic transformation. Prime Minister has taken great initiative on the issue of Export Development Fund (EDF) because funds worth billions of rupees under EDF have not been used to promote exports. So, I think that Prime Minister’s initiative will boost Pakistani exports and confidence of Pakistani exporters. I think that the government also needs to take initiatives in terms of basic changes in export policy to further higher the tune of exports. I think that Pakistan can move forward by equipping youth with modern IT tools and international trends. Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry will sensitize general public on raising export tune through its FM Radio channel. Moreover, the government must empower district administration through local body system to boost district economy. I think that funds under NFC Award must be district specific and must be provided to districts directly.