Govt considering integrated program to enhance ratio of taxes: PM

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SIALKOT Jan 08 (TNS): Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi says government will work in collaboration with the private sector to exploit the true export potential of the country.

He was addressing a ceremony of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Sialkot on Monday.

The Prime Minister said it is not for the government to do business but to play the role of facilitator in promotion of economic activities in the country.

He also emphasized the need for improving the tax to GDP ratio saying it is vital to provide incentives to the business community to address economic problems of the country.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the government is considering an integrated program to enhance the ratio of taxes and in this regard, the inputs of the business community will also be welcomed.

He said the government is also striving to cut the cost of industrial inputs by reducing the tariff of gas and electricity.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the economic growth saying it would have been far better had the instability would not have been stoked through the politics of sit-ins.

Enumerating the steps taken by the government to meet energy shortages, he said today we have surplus power and gas.

The Prime Minister said overall law and order situation stands improved as a result of firm action against the terrorists.

He said Karachi has once again been made cradle of peace and credit for this situation goes to the political figures, the government and the security forces.

Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated the international terminal at Sialkot Airport, terming it the “first successful green field airport” in the world.

Addressing at the ceremony, the Prime Minister said the terminal would prove a significant milestone not only for the city, but for entire country.

He said that the businessmen of Faisalabad have also expressed keen interest in establishment of a similar airport in their locality and for this purpose, government will extend full support to them.

The Prime Minister said the National Highway Authority is completing projects worth 200 billion rupees in the area.

He said the government has completed power projects keeping in view of the future needs of the country.

The Prime Minister said the government completed the power generation projects of 10,000 mega watts and reduction in rates of electricity and gas is also under consideration.

He said as a result of concrete steps, the gas is also available to the domestic and industrial consumers today in the country.