A delegation of the Pakistan Dairy Association called on the Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Finance on Sunday.
The delegation briefed the Finance Minister on the current profile of the dairy sector in Pakistan. They also presented budget-related proposals and tax-related matters on behalf of the dairy sector to the Finance Minister, which were discussed in detail during the meeting.
The Finance Minister appreciated the briefing and proposals of Pakistan Dairy Association, and said that their suggestions would be given due consideration during the finalization of the budget. He said that extensive consultations are being undertaken with all stakeholders as part of the budget preparations. The Finance Minister urged the dairy sector to ensure that the quality of milk being provided to the people of Pakistan is in accordance with international and local health standards. He urged the corporate firms in the dairy sector to ensure the well-being of dairy farmers, and to work together with them on measures to increase the yield of milk across the country.
The Finance Minister said that the agriculture sector had received a major boost from the government’s agriculture package. He highlighted that the agriculture sector had grown by 3.46% in FY 2016-17 showing a marked improvement compared to FY 2015-16. He further stated that milk is one of the 19 commodities which will be subsidized, as part of the Ramzan Relief Package 2017, to provide relief to the general public during the upcoming holy month of Ramzan.
The delegation of Pakistan Dairy Association included representatives of Nestle, Engro Foods, Shakarganj Mills, Fauji Foods, Packages Limited and Everfresh Farms.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Revenue, Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan, Finance Secretary, Secretary EAD, Chairman FBR and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance and FBR also participated in the meeting.
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