May 24, 2008	Saturday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 18, 1429

ISLAMABAD, May 23: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry has asked the finance ministry to announce measures in the upcoming budget to broaden tax base for adequate resource mobilisation.

The proposal among others was made during a meeting of FPCCI delegation led by its president Tanvir Ahmad Sheikh with Finance Minister Syed Naveed Qamar here on Friday.

An official announcement issued after the meeting said the FPCCI president presented his part of pre-budget proposals to the finance minister focusing social and industrial sector development, besides measures offering relief to the common man against existing price hike and other economic pressures resulting from spiralling fuel prices.

It was also proposed to encourage agro-based industry to meet domestic food production needs. Power generation sector also merits government’s special fiscal support.

According to the association proposals, the government may chalk out special financial support package for skill development of unskilled working class in order to maximise industrial production, focusing domestic needs and increased exports to strengthen foreign exchange reservoirs.

State Bank of Pakistan Governor Dr Shamshad Akhtar and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Finance Ms Hina Rabbani Khar also attended the meeting.