“The country can only progress if reforms are implemented,” the premier said while addressing participants at a pre-budget business conference in Islamabad.

The premier welcomed the suggestions put forth by the business community, saying they needed implementation to bring the country out of the economic crisis.

The premier urged all the stakeholders to sit and devise a future strategy, adding that every democratic government should complete its constitutional tenure.

He said the government will form a task force on agriculture and exports for formulating comprehensive plans to enhance exports and agricultural yield.

He said Pakistan’s agricultural sector has immense potential to boost the economy. “Progress of rural areas is the need of hour for a prosper Pakistan as 65% population lives in villages,” he added.

The premier said the government would keep seeking guidance from the business community in devising the economic strategy.

He urged the business community to come forward and play its role in the development of the country.

On the foreign front, PM Shehbaz said that the previous government had damaged the relationship with friendly countries, but the incumbent government was taking practical steps to restore the relations.