F.P. Report
PESHAWAR: In line with Prime Minister’s vision for transformation of Pakistan’s regulatory landscape to enable private sector growth & international investment, Board of Investment is spearheading (or facilitating) Pakistan Regulatory Modernization Initiative (PRMI). The initiative aims to simplify the existing complex regulatory environment by reducing compliance burden on businesses that hinders competitiveness & imposes high cost. The reform drive will mainly focus on the elimination, simplification & automation of the multi-tiered regulatory requirements that will be instrumental to support economic growth of Pakistan. This also continues the momentum of Pakistan’s tremendous performance in World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index.
With the recent launch of PRMI Strategy, the initiative has been officially launched nationwide. In this regard, Additional Secretary BOI & PRMI team lead, Mr. Mukarram Jah Ansari with his team in coordination with KP-Board of Investment and Trade conducted a one day “Capacity Building Workshop on Pakistan Regulatory Modernization Initiative & Ease of Doing Business” in Peshawar. The workshop is part of the strategy to apprise the public & private sector on the significance of the reform drive for businesses and Pakistan’s economic development as well as handholding of relevant stakeholders for successful implementation of the initiative.
The workshop was attended by CEO, KPBOIT, Mr. Hassan Daud, prominent representatives of KP academia & private sector, SMEDA & focal persons of over 25 departments of government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Addressing the audience, Mr. Ansari shared that government is pursing broad based regulatory reforms agenda focusing on consistent improvement in Pakistan’s EODB ranking, facilitation of business fraternity by introduction of smart & friendly regulations as part of PRMI & promotion of SMEs through Regulatory Guillotine (RG). Mr. Ansari expressed confidence that training of government officers for smart regulations will enhance their capacity as regulators & provide them with an opportunity to learn about global best practices. He further briefed participants about regulatory reforms pertaining to KP and assured of BOI’s active support and collaboration.
Mr. Hassan Daud, in his remarks apprised about KP’s progress in EODB & launch of KP business portal. “People are now identifying KP as trade & business destination”. Mr. Dawood also stated that Chief Minister KP’s takes keen interest in reforming KP’s business environment & appreciated BOI team’s efforts for Pakistan’s tremendous success in EODB and their support to KP in similar endeavors.
Director EODB, Mr. Zuhfran Qasim & Director PRMI, Mr. Mahmood Tufail briefed the participants on Pakistan EODB journey & introduction to PRM Initiative.
Abdul Karim, Special Assistant to Chief Minister KP for Industries, Commerce & Technical Education, while concluding the session shared that KP is the only province with access to 9 gateways and this advantage can be leveraged through BOI’s facilitation for seeking Federal Government NOCs. He also highlighted potential of KP tourism and Mine & Minerals for attracting investment through Public-Private Partnerships.
The workshop concluded with certificate distribution ceremony to participants by Mr. Abdul Karim. Additional Secretary BOI, Mr. Mukarram Ansari also presented souvenirs to the special guests.
Additionally earlier in the day, Mr. Mukarram Jah Ansari & his team along with Mr. Hassan Daud called on Chief Secretary KP, Mr. Kazim Niaz wherein implementation of the wide range reform drive was discussed in detail. Chief Secretary assured of Government’s commitment to modernization of KP’s regulatory environment.
