Page 17 - January-February-2018

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Govt welcomes budget

proposals: Haroon Akhtar

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Revenue situation would be considered for inclusion in the
Haroon Akhtar Khan has said the government next year’s budget. “The government is determined
values the contribution of tax bar associations in to come up with a pro-industry and pro-investment
the country towards broadening of tax base and budget before ending its term on a successful
their proposals on improving the tax regime would note,” he said.
be welcomed for the next budget.
In his meeting with the office-bearers and members
“We appreciate the good work being done by the of trade bodies of twin cities, the Minister assured
tax bar associations and it is our endeavor to work them the government was concerned about their
closely with them for broadening of tax base and issues and concerns and due consideration would
further improving the tax regime,” he said while be accorded to their recommendations and
talking to a delegation of Pakistan Tax Bar proposals for the upcoming Finance Bill. The
Association (PTBA). Chambers’ representatives thanked the Minister for
understanding their issues and assured full support
Haroon Akhtar Khan said tax bar associations to FBR’s efforts for broadening the tax base and
served the purpose of think-tanks and their input promoting tax compliance.
and proposals would be welcomed in the routine
taxpayers outreach activities and seminars While talking to an Asian Development Bank team
conducted by FBR for broadening of tax base and led by Pakistan Resident Mission Country Director
improving tax collection. Ms Xiaohong Yang at FBR House, the minister said
"We are looking into all possible ways to boost the
The PTBA office-bearers congratulated Haroon GDP growth and we are willing to work with the
Akhtar Khan on his elevation as Federal Minister industry and all stakeholders to prepare a budget
and commended him for impressive revenue that addresses the major concerns and issues
collection during the last four years and for acting facing the economy, particularly the manufacturing
as a bridge between the government and the sector which holds the key to developing the
business community. country on a sustainable basis."

They shared with him a plan of action for BTB Haroon Akhtar Khan said the government had
seminars, outreach and better collection of taxes. brought down the corporate tax rates from 35 to 30
They also invited him to chair a workshop on direct per cent and had also taken certain other measures
and indirect taxes to be organized by PTBA in to reverse the decline in exports which had started
Lahore in the coming month. going up since June last year. "We are aware that
our manufacturing sector needs to be given more
Haroon Akhtar Khan told them he and his team at incentives to fuel a broad-based growth and we are
FBR would sincerely look into their issues and working on different proposals to lift this sector and
concerns and their proposals for redressing the put the country on the industrialization path," he said.

January/February 2018