Pakistan greatly values the relation with Australian Govt: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb

ISLAMABAD, May 14 (SABAH): Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Neil Hawkins, called on Minister for Finance & Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, at the Finance Division on Tuesday, to discuss bilateral matters and to strengthen the longstanding relations between Pakistan and Australia.

The Finance Minister welcomed the Australian High Commissioner and underscored the long-standing mutual relations between Australia and Pakistan. Neil Hawkins extended his felicitations to Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on his appointment as the Finance Minister. The Minister highlighted that Pakistan greatly values the relation with Australian Government and emphasized on the need to work together to further enhance and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries especially in the areas of economic cooperation and trade.

During the course of discussion, the Finance Minister apprised the Australian High Commissioner of the various initiatives being undertaken by the Government under the leadership of the Prime Minister. While underscoring the need for digitalization, it was highlighted that the services of Mckinsey & Company have been engaged for digitalization of the tax system.

The Finance Minister further spoke of the resolve of government to privatize various State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and also apprised the High Commissioner on the likely investments from Saudi Arabia and Qatar and the need to focus on the second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The Australian High Commissioner briefed the Finance Minister on the engagements of the Australian Government with Agriculture Universities in Pakistan with a view to maximize production in the agriculture and livestock sectors. He assured continued support of Australian government for socio-economic development of Pakistan.  

The Finance Minister appreciated the Australian High Commissioner for his Cooperation and support.

Meanwhile a delegation of Pakistan Business Council (PBC) led by Chairman PBC Shabbir Diwan called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb at Finance Division, today. Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Malik Amjed Zubair Tiwana also attended the meeting to discuss and understand the concerns of the business community.

The delegation from the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) discussed the current economic outlook of the country with the Finance Minister and presented specific budgetary and tax proposals for consideration.

Federal Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb acknowledged and thanked the PBC for their proposals, and asked the Chairman FBR to take note of the same. He discussed the ongoing digitalization efforts of the FBR, aimed at bringing untaxed segments into the tax net. He assured that all actions would be taken with mutual consultation to ensure the best outcomes for both the government and the business community.