Adviser on Finance Hafeez Sheikh has said the government is ready to listen to all stakeholders to prepare the next budget in accordance with the needs of prevailing economic circumstances.

He was chairing a meeting through video link with tax expert Dr Ikram ul Haq to discuss proposals on improving the tax structure of the country.

He said as we are preparing the budget, we should be more vigilant, practical and analyse the opportunities and challenges offered by the current environment.

The Adviser appreciated the work done by Dr. Ikramul- Haq for gathering data across the country from selected markets and from different chambers of commerce and Industry.  He said the purpose of consulting experts is to seek suggestions and insights so that the fundamental problems of the tax collection system in the country could be effectively addressed.

 Dr Ikram shared with the Adviser the important inferences from data gathering exercise and suggested certain techniques for data reconciliation that could improve tax collection in a more effective manner.