Pakistan again approaches US for early staff-level deal with IMF
Business
Dar says taxes on beverages sector could be lowered in budget
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Pakistan has again sought US government’s help to approach the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for sealing a staff-level deal at earliest.
The issue was discussed at a meeting between US Ambassador Donald Blome and Minister for Finance and Revenue Ishaq Dar. During the meeting, Pakistan demonstrated its desire to completion the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
The US envoy was told that the ongoing programme of Extended Fund Facility (EFF) was going to expire on June 30. Therefore, the IMF would have to take a decision for the completion of the pending 9th Review under the EFF programme.
Mr Blome was further apprised that if the policy of no action continued on the part of the IMF, the programme will end in smoke.
Meanwhile, Donald Blome urged the Pakistan government to reduce tax burden on certain US companies operating in the country — especially those related to the beverages sector. Dar did not make any commitment, but assured him to review the request during the budget-making exercise.
In a statement, the finance ministry said Ambassador of the United States of America to Pakistan Mr Blome had a meeting with Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar. Both leaders exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and enhancing bilateral economic, investment and trade relations between the two countries."
The minister shared economic policies and priorities of the government to address the challenging economic environment and bring about economic stability and growth. The two sides also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and enhancing the existing bilateral relations between both countries.
