Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has called on the business community to increase their investments in the stock exchange and support initiatives that foster small and medium enterprises and job creation. This appeal was made during his address at the 12th Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Excellence Awards ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

According to Press Information Department, President Zardari emphasized the need for a more business-friendly environment through the rationalization of interest rates, provision of cost-effective energy, and enhancement of export-oriented industries. During his speech, he highlighted the negative impact of high interest rates on economic growth and proposed a reduction in the policy rate to stimulate business activities.

The President reflected on the economic strategies of his previous tenure, noting that despite security challenges and the global war on terror, policies aimed at supporting export-oriented sectors and providing affordable energy significantly boosted the country’s exports. He called for comprehensive measures to provide cost-effective utilities and facilities to promote trade and industry further.

The event also featured remarks from FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, who pointed out that economic challenges were being converted into opportunities, and Dr. Gohar Ejaz, Group Leader of FPCCI, who affirmed the improving economic conditions and the business community’s efforts to increase exports. President Zardari concluded the ceremony by distributing the 12th FPCCI Excellence Awards to top-performing businesses, encouraging continued contributions towards Pakistan’s economic transformation.