By Syed Muhammad Yaseen Hashmi
Islamabad: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting today at the Finance Division with a high-level delegation from British American Tobacco (BAT). The delegation was led by Ms. Pascale Meulemeester, Regional Director for Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, and included senior executives from Pakistan Tobacco Company.
During the meeting, the Finance Minister stated that the government’s ongoing structural reforms aim to eliminate historical economic volatility and ensure fiscal stability. He emphasized the need to strengthen the tax system, expand regulatory compliance, and curb illegal activities.
The delegation was briefed on the government’s actions against illegal cigarette manufacturing and smuggling. Representatives of BAT raised concerns regarding revenue stability, the price gap between legal and illicit tobacco products, and the export competitiveness of Pakistani tobacco.
The Finance Minister assured the delegation that policy reviews are ongoing and that proposed reforms will be implemented within the framework of fiscal stability. He also stressed the importance of promoting exports and encouraging long-term investment opportunities.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to continue cooperation on matters related to taxation, enforcement, and export competitiveness.
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