Dr. Shahid Amjad Chaudhry Addresses Pakistan's Economic Challenges

The Lahore School of Economics Annual Conference on Management of the Pakistan Economy delved into crucial issues impacting the country's economic landscape. Day 2 of the conference saw in-depth discussions on various topics ranging from innovation to female employment and skills development.

Notable presentations included research by Dr. Waqar Wadho and Dr. Azam Chaudhry on how family control in Pakistani textile firms influences productivity. Dr. Rabia Arif explored the differences in innovation across sectors such as textiles, light engineering, and automotive. Additionally, the impact of training initiatives on workers in Punjab, hindrances to female employment, and institutional factors affecting investment and exports were thoroughly examined.

Rector Dr. Shahid Amjad Chaudhry's concluding remarks highlighted Pakistan's economic challenges, with a sharp decline in growth rates leading to increased poverty. He emphasized the importance of enhancing transfers to low-income households through programs like the Benazir Income Support Program. Dr. Chaudhry also stressed the need for provinces to drive development through investments in health, education, and productivity, while the federal government focuses on macroeconomic stability and debt management.

In light of Pakistan's historical geopolitical instability, Dr. Chaudhry underscored the urgency for a shift in investment priorities towards education, health, and job creation. He advocated for a comprehensive industrial strategy coupled with structural reforms to boost exports and foster economic growth.