Finance minister engages with business leadership to shape budget priorities, drive sustainable economic growth

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Apr, 2026) Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday chaired a virtual meeting with presidents and senior office bearers of Chambers of Commerce and Business Entities from across the country to discuss the prevailing economic situation, upcoming budget priorities and avenues for strengthening economic recovery and growth.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, along with senior officials of the Finance Division, Revenue Division, and Tax Policy Office.

On the occasion, the minister highlighted Pakistan’s growing prominence on the global stage amid evolving regional dynamics and underscored the importance of maintaining regular and structured dialogue with the business community.

He noted that the interaction was particularly timely as he prepares for important engagements with international financial institutions and global counterparts, and emphasized the need to gather first-hand insights from key economic stakeholders. The minister explained that the purpose of the meeting extended beyond discussions on taxation and the upcoming budget, focusing equally on identifying practical and forward-looking ideas to leverage current opportunities for enhancing trade, attracting investment, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

He noted that Pakistan had entered the recent challenging phase from a position of relative macroeconomic stability, supported by fiscal discipline and strengthened external buffers, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining economic resilience while ensuring inclusive and durable recovery.

Highlighting recent economic developments, he pointed to improvements in fiscal management, fulfillment of external obligations, and targeted support measures for vulnerable segments.

He emphasized that economic recovery was grounded in strengthening fundamental economic indicators and institutional discipline, achieved in partnership with the private sector.

He further encouraged participants to share actionable proposals to capitalize on emerging opportunities, particularly in trade facilitation, logistics, and regional connectivity, including the growing potential of Pakistan as a transshipment and investment hub.

The participants on the occasion held discussion on improving the overall business environment, facilitating exports, strengthening productivity, and aligning policy frameworks with regional benchmarks. They emphasized the importance of reducing operational inefficiencies, enabling optimal utilization of infrastructure, and fostering investment across key sectors of the economy.

The participants also highlighted the need to improve liquidity flows, support export-oriented industries, and diversify markets to expand Pakistan’s global trade footprint.

Suggestions underscored the importance of policy predictability, consultative engagement in the budget-making process, and targeted facilitation to promote investment in infrastructure, manufacturing, and emerging sectors.

In his remarks, Bilal Azhar Kayani noted that many proposals present on the occasion were aligned with the government’s reform agenda and emphasized the importance of prioritizing measures that deliver maximum economic impact within available fiscal space, while ensuring practical and implementable solutions.

Senior officials from the Tax Policy Office and Federal board of Revenue assured that proposals received from chambers were being carefully evaluated to formulate balanced and effective policy measures. They reiterated that continuous stakeholder engagement would remain central to shaping a responsive and growth-oriented budget.