KARACHI Aug 12 (INP) Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Saturday assured the business community that the PMLN government will carry forward the policies made under the leadership of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. “The PMLN government after evolving consensus among all the stakeholders, and due to the unmatched sacrifices of the Law Enforcement and Security Agencies has restored peace and glory of the financial hub of the country. We will ensure to consolidate the gains on the security front and ensure that economic and trade activities further grow” the Prime Minister said during meeting with leading businessmen, including members office bearers of KCCI, FPCCI and Pakistan Business Council, at Governor House Karachi today. Governor Sindh, Minister for Interior, Governor State Bank of Pakistan and Chairman FBR were also present during the meeting. The Prime Minister said that there is convergence of interests of the government and the business community as both are determined for economic growth and improvement in business atmosphere in the country. If the economy is not strong, the country will not grow, the Prime Minister stated. There is much potential in our economic and trade sector, we need to work together to tap this potential for progress and prosperity of our country, further stated the Prime Minister. The only thing necessary is to make combined and concerted efforts. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the objectives of the government are economic growth, creation of jobs and increase in tax collection. In fact, the objectives of the government and those of the business community are same. If the business community does not grow, the government will not be able to achieve its objectives, the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister assured the business community that their proposals for economic growth and and increase in investment will be honoured, the need is to work in unison for achievement of our shared objectives, the Prime Minister stressed. Collectively, we will resolve the issues confronting us; I will be holding frequent interactions with you in coming days to seek your valuable proposals and suggestions in this regard, the Prime Minister added. The Prime Minister said that he is extremely happy and thankful to be among the business community in his first visit to Karachi. The Prime Minister said that in the wake of smooth transition, the Cabinet took Oath and the government started functioning immediately, which is good for democracy and has renewed confidence of the business community. The members of the business community congratulated Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on assuming the Office of the Prime Minister and thanked the Prime Minister for meeting them on his first visit to Karachi. The business leaders lauded the gains in the security situation, and improvement in macroeconomic outlook of the country. The businessmen individually shared their views regarding the economic challenges ahead. They apprised the Prime Minister of issues faced by them regarding increase in imports, cost of doing business, trade and tariff, and taxation. They shared their findings after the formation of a committee during interaction with former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif previously. They lauded the economic reforms under the leadership of former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and putting the country on road to peace and progress during the last four years. INP/AH