20000105

FPCCI delegation

meets Shaukat

to review issues

facing industry

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the FPCCI, led by its Acting President, Mahmud Ahmed, called on the Finance Minister, Shaukat Aziz on Tuesday morning. It discussed issues pertaining to the industry, including taxation issues and refund from the tax department.

The meeting discussed in detail various aspects of the GST. The delegation was informed that Riaz Malik, already designated as the member specifically responsible for acting as a liaison between the public and the government, would be working for the simplification of procedures for the smooth working of the Sales Tax Regime. The question of prompt tax refunds was also discussed.

The government's viewpoint was that although this was a difficult area because of large amounts of refunds withheld in the past, the government was committed to improving the situation as explained in the recent policy statement of the Chief Executive.

The meeting was informed that government had finalised arrangements for the appointment of a tax Ombudsman at the federal level to resolve the greviences of the business community.

The business community expressed confidence in the policies pursued by the government and assured it of full cooperation. It was decided that the process of continuous inter-action would be continued with the FPCCI in particular with regard to the CBR and the business community.

Earlier the Finance Minister briefed the meeting about the economic policies persued and steps taken by the government to realise the economy. He also stressed government's commitment to address the genuine greviences brought to its notice.

The meeting was attended by Secretary General Finance, Chairman and members of CBR besides other officials of the Ministry of Finance.