Munter calls for expanding tax base
Pak-US partnership based on prosperity, common issues, says US Ambassador.
US Ambassador Cameron Munter on Tuesday said that the partnership between Islamabad and Washington is based on prosperity and common issues.
Talking to Express while visiting its Karachi office, Munter said that he is always happy to visit Karachi as it reminds him of his home town. The ambassador said that during his current tour, he met the business community, members of the media and religious scholars and exchanged views upon matters of mutual interest, adding that what is wonderful about Karachi is the diversity of the people.
Responding to a question about his meeting with the leadership of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Munter acknowledged that he did meet with the party’s leadership and talked about a common agenda in moving forward.
Commenting on the RGST bill, the ambassador said that the US doesn’t see itself actively supporting the bill. “Your government has to decide how it moves ahead. We believe it is very important that the country, if it is going to sustain its growth, expands the base of those who are taxed,” he said. “Expanding the tax base is important for the prosperity of the country.”
When asked if there is any change in the way he conducts diplomacy after the advent of WikiLeaks, Munter said, “The way I conduct diplomacy is exactly as it was before. I am very open and honest with my interlocutors and I am pleased to say my Pakistani interlocutors are very open and honest with me.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 8th, 2010.
Talking to Express while visiting its Karachi office, Munter said that he is always happy to visit Karachi as it reminds him of his home town. The ambassador said that during his current tour, he met the business community, members of the media and religious scholars and exchanged views upon matters of mutual interest, adding that what is wonderful about Karachi is the diversity of the people.
Responding to a question about his meeting with the leadership of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Munter acknowledged that he did meet with the party’s leadership and talked about a common agenda in moving forward.
Commenting on the RGST bill, the ambassador said that the US doesn’t see itself actively supporting the bill. “Your government has to decide how it moves ahead. We believe it is very important that the country, if it is going to sustain its growth, expands the base of those who are taxed,” he said. “Expanding the tax base is important for the prosperity of the country.”
When asked if there is any change in the way he conducts diplomacy after the advent of WikiLeaks, Munter said, “The way I conduct diplomacy is exactly as it was before. I am very open and honest with my interlocutors and I am pleased to say my Pakistani interlocutors are very open and honest with me.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 8th, 2010.