INP-WealthPk

FBR Chairman Hints at Incentives To Pakistan’s IT Industry

June 14, 2022

Aitizaz Hassan ISLAMABAD, June 14, (INP-WealthPK): Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Asim Ahmad said that incentives will be provided to the information technology  (IT)  industry so that the sector can play its due role in the development of the country, WealthPK reports. He said that he had discussed the matter with the prime minister. He said that the government would give incentives including tax exemption to the IT industry. “Let me assure you, there is really good news for the IT industry in budget 2022-23,” he told a ceremony in Islamabad. The ceremony was organised to sign a contract for the development and implementation of the one-window portal by the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA). He said that the IT industry and the FBR were working together to remove the communication gap between STZA and the IT sector. Asim Ahmad said that he held several meetings with the representatives of the IT industry to find ways to move forward. He said that he found out that there was a big communication gap among FBR, STZA and the IT industry. He said that he was surprised to know in a meeting about the customs duties imposed on the import of servers by STZA. He said that 200 importers in the country were paying the duties. “We have constituted a committee comprising the representatives of FBR, STZA and the IT industry to remove the communication gap,” he said. He said that FBR officials were present to receive suggestions and proposals from STZA and the IT industry. He appreciated the performance of STZA. “We are open to everything. The recommendations of STZA and the IT industry will be considered seriously,” he added. Commenting on the STZA one-window portal, the FBR chairman said that he was pleased that the system was finally launched. He said that it could be termed a flagship project for the facilitation of local and international entrepreneurs. Asim Ahmad said that as the apex revenue collection body of the government, FBR plays a vital role in providing a business-friendly environment for the taxpayers. “The STZA one-window portal will offer more convenience to local and foreign investors. It will be also integrated with the systems of FBR and Customs on a real-time basis. We are fully committed to providing all required support to STZA in this regard,” he added.