Islamabad, Pakistan: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restructuring the country’s tax machinery to ensure an efficient and equitable taxation system. Speaking during a meeting with Coca-Cola İçecek (CCI) officials, the minister emphasized leveraging technology for end-to-end digitalization to minimize human intervention, enhance transparency, and reduce corruption.
Aurangzeb highlighted the government’s focus on increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio by broadening the tax base and alleviating the disproportionate tax burden on organized sectors like manufacturing and salaried professionals. He expressed optimism about aligning tax policies with economic growth and fostering a sustainable fiscal framework.
The visiting CCI delegation, led by Global CEO Karim Yahi, briefed the minister on the company’s extensive operations in Pakistan, which include seven production facilities and significant contributions to the economy through investment and job creation. The team reiterated their commitment to sustainability and expressed interest in expanding operations in Pakistan.
Senator Aurangzeb commended CCI’s role as a key investor and economic contributor, praising its sustainable business practices and its impact on industrial growth and employment. He assured the delegation of the government’s commitment to fostering an investor-friendly environment, underlining the importance of multinational corporations in driving innovation and economic progress.
Discussions also covered taxation policies affecting the beverage sector. The finance minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to creating a balanced taxation framework that promotes industrial growth while ensuring fiscal responsibility. He appreciated CCI’s proactive engagement with the government on policy matters, emphasizing the value of stakeholder dialogue in achieving national economic objectives.
The meeting concluded with mutual commitments to enhanced collaboration and stakeholder engagement to shape policies that support sustainable development and long-term economic growth in Pakistan.