Islamabad : Minister for Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin has stressed upon the need for greater cooperation between Federal and Provincial Governments in harmonization of general sales tax (GST).

Presiding over the first meeting of the National Tax Council (NTC) held in Islamabad on Wednesday, he expressed hope that under the umbrella of this Council, both governments will work together to facilitate the businesses and reduce the cost of doing business in Pakistan.

He expressed the hope that under the umbrella of National Tax Council, both the Federal and Provincial Governments would move towards the harmonizing Taxes across the multiple jurisdictions so as to facilitate the businesses and reduce the cost of doing business in Pakistan.

The Finance Secretary highlighted the TORs of the National Tax Council and the progress achieved so far while the Federal Board of Revenue and the respective Provincial Finance Departments gave a productive and positive input on various taxation issues which came under discussion.

The Provincial Finance Ministers welcomed the initiative of the Federal Government and assured to move ahead under the umbrella of NTC for the betterment of the country and to build a progressive economy.

He also urged to work together on the pending taxation matters so that an arrangement relating to harmonization of GST amongst Provinces and the Federal Government could be finalized at the earliest.