Consultative Meeting on Tax and Export Facilitation
ISLAMABAD – Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue, chaired a consultative meeting at the Ministry of Finance with representatives from the business and export sectors on Monday. The meeting focused on measures to improve the tax regime, enhance export facilitation, and promote a more enabling business environment.
Policy and Administrative Measures Reviewed
The meeting reviewed various policy and administrative measures to facilitate trade, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and support export-led growth. Discussions covered the implementation of the Drawback of Local Taxes and Levies (DLTL), the Technology Upgradation Fund (TUF), and the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS). Participants exchanged views on ways to further improve their effectiveness and ensure timely implementation.
Business Community Perspectives
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.
Government Commitment to Engagement
The minister of state reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining close engagement with the business community and 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 facilitate trade and strengthen the country’s export sector.
Attendees
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), Rana Imran, Jamshed Murtaza, Zubair Motiwala (Former President, KCCI), Khurram Mukhtar (Patron-in-Chief, Pakistan Textile Exporters Association), and Aslam Pakhali (CEO, FA International). Senior government officials, including the Secretary of Commerce, Dr. Hamid Ateeq Sarwar (Member Sales Tax, Federal Board of Revenue), Mr. Mohsin (Chief Collector Exports & IOCO), and Mr. Ashhad Jawwad (Member Customs Policy, Federal Board of Revenue), also attended the meeting.
