PM Shehbaz prioritises exports, seeks tax relief review

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to review the matter of extending the super tax exemption for exporters, reiterating that export-led economic growth is the government’s top priority.

The prime minister issued the directions during a meeting with a delegation of prominent industrialists and business leaders. He welcomed proposals from the business community aimed at strengthening exports and promoting economic growth.

Shehbaz said the purpose of the meeting was to consult with the business community on measures needed to accelerate export-led development.

He said the government was taking effective steps to make doing business easier. Reducing energy costs, he added, was also among the government’s key priorities.

The prime minister said the government had introduced major reforms through consultation despite difficult economic circumstances.

He also highlighted the performance of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), saying that enforcement measures had helped recover Rs800 billion within one year.

According to Shehbaz, efforts by the government’s economic team had resulted in a significant improvement in the country’s macroeconomic indicators.

However, he acknowledged that further work was needed at the microeconomic level to ensure that the benefits of economic improvement reached ordinary citizens.

The prime minister stressed that increasing exports was essential for achieving sustainable economic growth and strengthening the country’s economic position.

He directed the relevant authorities to examine the proposal concerning the extension of the super tax exemption for exporters and take the matter forward after reviewing its implications.

The meeting reflects the government’s continued focus on supporting exporters, reducing business costs and improving the overall environment for investment and industrial activity.