SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Praises Pakistan's Fiscal Budget 2025-26 as Balanced and Growth-Driven

The federal budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 has been termed as balanced, growth-driven, and export-oriented by SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI) former President Iftikhar Ali Malik. The budget, according to Malik, sets a proper direction for national economic growth and will significantly improve key indicators, including GDP. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's wise and timely decisions are expected to provide relief to the business community, while incentive packages will serve as a cushion to support economic expansion and boost exports.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry has praised the federal budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 as balanced, growth-driven, and export-oriented.
  • The budget is expected to improve key indicators, including GDP, and provide relief to the business community through Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's wise and timely decisions.
  • The allocation of record funds for research and development, and the promotion of modern agricultural techniques, including the mandatory use of high-tech hybrid seeds, is seen as a major step towards transforming agriculture along scientific lines and improving per-acre yields.
  • The Pakistan economy is navigating a difficult phase, further complicated by the impacts of global climate change, but the government's bold policy choices are expected to address the challenges.
  • The SAARC CCI has described the business community as a cornerstone of the country's financial strength and expressed optimism that any concerns or irritants in the budget will be addressed in consultation with it.
  • The budget has been praised for its attractive incentives aimed at reviving and accelerating economic activity across the country.

Statistics:

  • The budget is expected to improve GDP indicators.
  • Record funds have been allocated for research and development.
  • High-tech hybrid seeds are to be used mandatorily in Pakistan's agriculture sector.
  • The business community is being consulted to address concerns or irritants in the budget.
  • Pakistan's economy is navigating a difficult phase due to the impacts of global climate change.

Sources:

  • SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (No specific date or reference provided)
  • Statement by Iftikhar Ali Malik, former President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on Tuesday, without specific date or reference.