Islamabad, April 23, 2024 – In a key meeting held on Tuesday, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb promised to address the concerns of the association of small traders regarding the recently introduced Tajir Dost Scheme.
This initiative is designed to support and facilitate small traders and shopkeepers across Pakistan.
The discussion took place with Naeem Mir, Chairman of the Supreme Council All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran, focusing on the issues impacting the business community and the effectiveness of current economic policies. The meeting, which also saw the participation of the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), aimed to bridge the gap between government initiatives and the needs of small business operators.
During the meeting, Minister Aurangzeb acknowledged the crucial role of the business community in driving the nation’s economic development and assured traders that their interests would be protected and promoted. He stressed the government’s commitment to creating a favorable business environment and highlighted the advantages of the Tajir Dost App, a new tool aimed at streamlining processes for business registration and tax compliance.
Naeem Mir presented the feedback and challenges expressed by the business community, appreciating the government’s efforts in streamlining taxation policies and fostering a conducive environment for investment. He particularly noted the importance of the Tajir Dost App in facilitating business operations but pointed out areas needing improvement to make the application more beneficial and user-friendly for small traders.
Minister Aurangzeb reassured those present that the government would take swift action to refine the scheme based on the feedback received. He emphasized that addressing these concerns was essential for the success of the scheme and for ensuring that it meets its goal of empowering small business owners.
The dialogue also covered broader economic strategies, with discussions on taxation reforms, trade facilitation measures, and the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Finance Minister reiterated the administration’s resolve to pursue policies that support inclusive economic growth and create opportunities for all segments of society, particularly small traders who form the backbone of the country’s economy.
Both parties agreed on the importance of ongoing communication and collaboration between the government and the business community. Minister Aurangzeb highlighted that such partnerships are vital for developing effective policies that encourage entrepreneurship and contribute to overall economic prosperity.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with mutual commitments to continue this dialogue and work together on implementing the changes necessary to make the Tajir Dost Scheme a cornerstone of Pakistan’s strategy to support its small traders. The next steps include a series of consultations with stakeholders to gather more in-depth feedback and specific suggestions for improving the scheme.
This meeting represents a proactive step by the government to engage directly with the concerns of small traders, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed in national economic policies. The continued collaboration between the government and the business community is seen as essential for achieving sustainable economic growth and development in Pakistan.
