A delegation of Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce accompanied by Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastagir Khan met with the Federal Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here on Tuesday, and apprised him of the difficulties and problems being faced by the business community.
Noman Salauddin, President, Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the Chamber, congratulated the Finance Minister on attaining GSP Plus status for Pakistan that would go a long way in increasing the exports. He said that small and medium industry of Gujranwala would also get benefit from that status. The delegation also informed the Minister that during the last eight months power supply to industrial sector was much better and they were able to increase their productivity.
The President said business community wanted to pay taxes and suggested improvements in return filing system and expeditious refund of general sales tax enabling the business community to perform at their maximum potential. Moreover, Noman also requested for the appointment of permanent Commissioner Appeals in Gujranwala, besides requesting relief for cottage, small and medium enterprises in the next budget.
Finance Minister said it was with the help of business community that economy had begun to show signs of revival and that it was moving on the right track, adding that challenges remained on the horizon and much work remained to be done. He said "we all have to pay taxes and by paying taxes we can increase energy supply and public sector development programme."
He said taxes and documentation would go along and the government would employ necessary measures to facilitate exporters. He also mentioned that it was very heartening to note that there was 17 percent increase in revenue collection. On government's part, he said, that "we have adopted austerity measures and implemented 30 percent current expenditure cut by all Federal Ministries. He added that "we have also abolished discretionary fund of the Prime Minister and the Federal Ministries." Finance Minister assured the Chamber that a permanent Commissioner Appeals will be posted in Gujranwala to facilitate the business community.-PR