Tag: investment incentives

  • Business community seeks budgetary reforms to promote industry growth

    Business community seeks budgetary reforms to promote industry growth

    The business community has called for comprehensive reforms and increased facilities in the upcoming 2024-25 budget to promote industry growth by broadening the tax base.

    According to APP, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawri, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), revealed that consultations with the business community have concluded, and their budget proposals have been submitted to the relevant ministry.

    Bakhtawri emphasised the importance of incorporating these proposals into the Federal Budget 2024-25, stating that their implementation would address critical trade and industry issues, enhance business growth, improve government tax revenue, and aid in economic revival.

    He noted that, as in previous years, the ICCI had forwarded its budget recommendations to the Finance Ministry with the expectation of their acceptance.

    He urged the government to engage with the business community and form joint committees at the district level to expand the tax net.

    He also stressed the necessity of enforcing penalties against tax evaders. Furthermore, Bakhtawri suggested that the National Tax Number (NTN) should be mandatory for opening bank accounts and for property and vehicle transactions.

    In a related statement, Karim Aziz, Chairman of the FPCCI Capital Office, echoed these sentiments. Aziz indicated that the chamber had proposed tax reforms to broaden the tax base, aiming to rejuvenate the country’s businesses. He urged the government to consult with all stakeholders in preparing the federal budget.

    Aziz confirmed that the FPCCI had finalised its budget proposals and submitted them to the relevant ministries, advocating for their inclusion in the Federal Budget 2024-25. He reiterated that implementing these proposals would address key trade and industry challenges, facilitate business growth, boost tax revenue, and support economic revival.

    He called for a reformed and simplified taxation system developed in consultation with genuine stakeholders. Aziz also highlighted the need for the upcoming budget to focus on ease of doing business, which would attract much-needed investment and stimulate economic growth.

    Additionally, Aziz stressed the need to enhance exports, reduce imports, and incentivise expatriates to invest in Pakistan.

    The business community’s recommendations reflect a concerted effort to foster an environment conducive to industrial and economic growth, urging the government to consider these proposals seriously in the upcoming budget.

  • Shipment of discounted Russian oil en route to Pakistan: 100,000 tons set to arrive next month

    Shipment of discounted Russian oil en route to Pakistan: 100,000 tons set to arrive next month

    The government’s energy security plan will soon see the arrival of vessels carrying 100,000 tons of discounted Russian oil at Pakistan ports in early June.

    Musadik Malik, the State Minister for Energy, made this announcement during a private meeting with members of the media, where he discussed the new refinery policy. The policy aims to encourage investments in new refineries for shallow, deep conversion, and ultra-deep conversion projects, with incentives lasting up to 20 years.

    Minister Malik revealed that the Russian cargo, consisting of 100,000 tons of Urals oil, would arrive at the Oman port on May 26-27. From there, the oil will be transported to Pakistan in smaller vessels, a journey expected to take between seven to ten days. Although the transportation cost will increase slightly, the minister assured that the impact would be minimal.

    While he did not disclose the discounted price or the payment method for the Russian oil, Minister Malik hinted that the payment was made through the banking channel. The heavy Urals oil will then undergo refining at Parco, where it will be mixed with light Arabian oil to lower the overall price.

    Highlighting the significance of the new refinery policy, Minister Malik emphasised that energy sector growth is crucial for economic development. He explained that a one per cent increase in the country’s GDP requires a corresponding growth rate of 1.5 to two per cent in the energy sector. Similarly, achieving a five per cent GDP growth necessitates a seven to ten per cent growth in the energy sector. Such growth is only possible with investments in refineries, as well as oil and gas exploration and production.

    Under the new refinery policy, refineries with a capacity of 300,000 tons or more will receive incentives for 20 years, while those below 300,000 tons will receive incentives for 10 years. However, it will be mandatory for these refineries to achieve financial closure within five years.

    Additionally, import duty on equipment used in the larger refineries will be set at 7.5 per cent for both petrol and diesel for the duration of 20 years. The same incentives will apply for 10 years to refineries below the 300,000-ton capacity. These refineries will also benefit from special economic zone (SEZ) laws.

    Minister Malik projected that by 2030, the country’s petrol and diesel consumption would increase from 20 million to 33 million. Currently, local refineries produce around 10 to 11 million, with the rest being imported. He noted that the global premium on diesel is approximately $18 due to high demand.

    The new refinery policy has garnered interest from multiple foreign countries and private companies, with a positive response received during a road show conducted in the United States to promote greenfield investment.

    The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing a comprehensive plan for the country’s energy security before the end of its constitutional tenure. Negotiations for the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline project have resumed, while the Iran-Pakistan (IP) project has been delayed due to US sanctions. The LPG Air Mix policy and the brownfield policy are expected to be approved soon.