Minister of State highlights budget relief, export facilitation committees and government support for export-led industrial growth
Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani held a consultative meeting with leading exporters and representatives of major trade associations in Karachi, focusing on tax policies, budgetary relief and measures to strengthen Pakistan’s export sector.
During the meeting, Kayani briefed business representatives on the government’s latest tax measures, particularly relief announced for exporters in the recent federal budget. He also listened to concerns raised by exporters regarding tax-related procedures and operational challenges affecting businesses.
The minister said the government remains committed to creating a business-friendly environment by facilitating trade, simplifying the tax framework and supporting export-oriented industries. He emphasized the importance of maintaining regular engagement with the business community to identify and resolve issues affecting exporters.
A major focus of the discussion was the Export Facilitation Committees recently notified by the government following the budget. According to the minister, these committees have been established to facilitate exporters, address industry-related complaints and provide an effective platform for resolving disputes amicably.
The committees are also intended to ensure that exporters receive greater protection from unnecessary harassment during interactions with tax authorities. The initiative is expected to improve coordination between the government and export-oriented businesses while creating a more predictable operating environment.
Kayani reaffirmed that export-led industrial growth remains a key priority for the government. He assured industry stakeholders that policy support would continue and that channels of communication with exporters would remain open to address emerging challenges.
Representatives of the exporting community welcomed the government’s engagement and presented practical recommendations concerning tax-related operational matters. They stressed the need for effective implementation of facilitation measures to improve Pakistan’s export performance and competitiveness.
The meeting was attended by prominent representatives of several national trade bodies, including PHMA, PAKSEA, PRGMEA, TMA, PCMA, PCFA, PBEA, PDMEA, APBUMA, PTEA, PSGMEA, SIMAP, PCMEA, PLGEMA, Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Pakistan Tanners Association, Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association, Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers & Merchants Association and All Pakistan Meat Exporters & Processors Association.
The exporters appreciated Kayani’s efforts to address industry concerns and called for continued government-business coordination to create a stronger environment for export-led growth.