ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb held consultations with the business community on budget proposals and key economic issues ahead of the upcoming fiscal plan.
The finance minister chaired a virtual meeting with representatives and presidents of chambers of commerce from across the country, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar. Senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Revenue Division also attended the session.
During the meeting, participants discussed the upcoming budget, the current economic situation and measures for economic recovery. Aurangzeb emphasized the government’s commitment to moving forward in collaboration with the private sector, stating that steps are being taken to ensure fiscal discipline, improve external payments and protect vulnerable segments of society.
He noted that Pakistan has significant potential to become a regional hub for trade, logistics and transshipment, urging stakeholders to present practical proposals to strengthen the economy.
Business leaders presented various suggestions, including promoting exports, reducing the cost of doing business, increasing investment and ensuring policy continuity. They also stressed the need for improved infrastructure, better liquidity and access to new markets, along with facilitation for the industrial sector.
Officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) assured participants that viable proposals would be incorporated into the upcoming budget, adding that the consultation process with stakeholders would continue.
