Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed the resolve to bring macroeconomic stability and steer the country towards gradual growth. Addressing the Tax Excellence Awards ceremony in Islamabad today, he said ensuring export-led growth through collective efforts is the only way to rid the country of loans. He said the government will undertake efforts to uplift productive sectors such as industries, agriculture and Information Technology. The Prime Minister said the government is compelled to enter into a new IMF deal for the purpose of stability. He, however, said along with the IMF program, the government will focus on fostering growth, creating job opportunities and addressing the issue of inflation. Shehbaz Sharif said the federal government, in collaboration with the provincial governments, will create enabling circumstances for the private sector and address their problems. He said refunds to the tune of sixty-five billion rupees have been made to the exporters, expressing the determination that in future the refunds will be made in a timely manner. He said we will also go towards providing electricity to the industries on competitive rates in order to enhance their productivity. He said the platform of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has been established to give impetus to the investment. He said the second phase of CPEC will be taken forward. As regards tax reforms, the Prime Minister said the FBR will be totally restructured. He said consultants will be hired next month for complete digitalization of the tax collection body. Referring to low tax to GDP ratio, he said we will have to enhance the tax base. The Prime Minister stated that the leading taxpayers and exporters are the heroes of the country. He announced that the recipients of today's awards, consisting of exporters and taxpayers, will be issued blue passports. Additionally, he mentioned that top taxpayers would be presented with an honour card. Furthermore, he declared that the top recipient of each category of today's aw ards are being bestowed with the status of honorary ambassadors. He said these announcements are aimed at encouraging the people to pay their taxes. In his remarks on the occasion, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the digitalization of the FBR is aimed at ensuring transparency and increase the revenue collection. He was confident that this would also restore the trust and confidence of the people in this institution. In his welcome address, Chairman FBR Amjad Zubair Tiwana said an agreement has been signed recently to digitalize the tax administration and automate the processes. The President of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Chairman of Pakistan Business Council commended the government for recognizing the leading taxpayers and exporters. Source: Radio Pakistan