Govt, exporters discuss tax regime, trade schemes

Meeting underlines need for facilitative measures, improving ease of doing business

ISLAMABAD:

Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani chaired a consultative meeting at the Ministry of Finance with representatives of the business and export sectors to discuss measures aimed at further improving the tax regime, enhancing export facilitation, and promoting a more enabling business environment.

The meeting reviewed various policy and administrative measures to facilitate trade, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and support export-led growth. Discussions also covered the implementation of programmes such as the Drawback of Local Taxes and Levies (DLTL), the Technology Upgradation Fund (TUF), and the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS), with participants exchanging views on ways to further improve their effectiveness and facilitate timely implementation.

The representatives of the business community shared their perspectives on enhancing the ease of doing business, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening Pakistan's export competitiveness. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued public-private dialogue in support of sustainable economic growth.

The minister of state reiterated the government's commitment to maintaining close engagement with the business community and to pursuing policies that promote investment, industrial development, exports, and economic growth. He noted that the Ministry of Finance, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the Ministry of Commerce would continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ramp up trade and further lift the country's export sector.

The meeting was attended by a delegation of business leaders, including Jawed Bilwani, former president Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Syed Ahtisham Mazhar, President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Zubair Motiwala, former president KCCI, Khurram Mukhtar, Patron-in-Chief Pakistan Textile Exporters Association, and Aslam Pakhali, CEO FA International. Dr Hamid Ateeq Sarwar, Member Sales Tax, Federal Board of Revenue, and Ashhad Jawwad, Member Customs Policy FBR also attended the meeting.