PM urges further ease in sales tax reforms

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to make the system introduced by the present government for payment of sales tax refunds to exporters.

The Prime Minister issued these directions while chairing a meeting of his economic team on Monday.

It is necessary to provide all possible facilities to exporters and especially small- and medium-sized traders so that they could be encouraged and do not suffer financially, PM said.

READ MORE: FBR brings new acts in tax returns

The overall progress of his economic team, the premier noted that despite difficult conditions the government measures have resulted in economic stability and the confidence of the business community has increased.

The meeting reviewed economic situation in the country, progress on pending cases related to FBR in high courts.

Payment of tax refunds of exporters, status of Turkmenistan Afghanistan Pakistan India (TAPI) gas pipeline project and non-tax revenue.

The meeting was informed that exports registered an increase in terms of volume and income for the July-November period.

The prime minister expressed his satisfaction over the positive trend.

Former finance minister Shaukat Tareen briefed the meeting on the progress of the launch of “Food Bank” in Lahore.

READ ALSO: FBR to announce access of ‘custom rulings’ on website

The prime minister appreciated the initiative to provide food to the deserving people at their doorstep and said that the government will provide all possible facilities for the success of the project.

The prime minister said economic stability and creating jobs for youth and skilled workers was the top priority of the government.

The prime minister further stressed that said special attention should be given to further improving the coordination between the inter-ministerial and the departments.

The meeting was attended by ministers, advisers and special assistants to the prime minister.