Jam Kamal Khan says government pursuing regulatory reforms, industrial expansion and export-led growth
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a more business-friendly environment by simplifying regulations, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), promoting industrial development and expanding Pakistan’s manufacturing base.
The minister made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (ICSTSI), where participants discussed issues relating to SMEs, taxation, industrial infrastructure, ease of doing business and export promotion.
Jam Kamal Khan said the government was focused on reducing unnecessary regulatory hurdles and modernising business processes through digitalisation and institutional reforms. He stressed that outdated procedures and overlapping regulations should be gradually eliminated to improve the ease of doing business and encourage entrepreneurship.
Government to simplify business registration
The commerce minister said efforts were underway to streamline business registration through a more integrated and facilitative system, enabling entrepreneurs to complete regulatory requirements before commencing commercial operations.
He added that expanding the formal economy requires greater facilitation rather than imposing additional compliance burdens on businesses.
The ICSTSI delegation welcomed the State Bank of Pakistan’s recent revision of the SME definition, describing it as a positive step that would allow more businesses to qualify for financial support and incentives available to the formal sector.
Business representatives noted that many small enterprises remain self-financed and avoid formal registration because of complex procedures, repeated audits and high compliance costs.
Responding to these concerns, Jam Kamal Khan said broadening the tax base through voluntary documentation, instead of placing additional pressure on existing taxpayers, remains an important government policy objective.
Focus on industrial infrastructure
The meeting also highlighted the need for dedicated industrial zones for SMEs, particularly in Islamabad, equipped with essential infrastructure such as electricity, gas, water and road connectivity.
The delegation said many small manufacturers currently operate from residential areas and informal workshops due to the high cost of establishing formal industrial units.
The commerce minister agreed that organised industrial estates would improve productivity, product quality, environmental compliance and employment generation while strengthening Pakistan’s manufacturing sector.
Food industry and halal exports discussed
Participants also discussed the rapid growth of Pakistan’s food industry and the increasing contribution of e-commerce, digital platforms and delivery services to economic activity.
Jam Kamal Khan said the food and hospitality sectors have become important drivers of employment and offer significant growth potential.
The delegation urged the government to establish a modern slaughterhouse in Islamabad, noting that an eight-hectare site has already been identified but the project remains delayed because of administrative and environmental issues.
They said the facility would improve hygiene standards, food safety, traceability, environmental management and the quality of Pakistan’s halal meat exports.
The minister acknowledged the importance of strengthening the livestock value chain and said efficient utilisation of animal by-products, including hides, bones, fats and blood, could generate substantial additional economic value while reducing environmental waste.
Public-private partnerships to support growth
The chamber also proposed the development of a 100-acre industrial project through a public-private partnership involving the federal government, the Punjab government and the private sector.
Jam Kamal Khan welcomed the proposal and encouraged the business community to present commercially viable and investment-ready projects.
He said public-private partnerships, technological advancement and industrial diversification would play a vital role in strengthening Pakistan’s manufacturing sector, boosting exports and creating sustainable employment.
Reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to continuous engagement with stakeholders, the minister said the Ministry of Commerce would continue working closely with the business community to identify practical solutions, attract investment, strengthen SMEs and build a more competitive, export-oriented economy.