LAHORE: The beverage industry has the potential to become a significant contributor to Pakistan’s broader economic growth if the government provides a predictable regulatory environment and a level playing field.
This was stated by Beverages Advisory Foundation (BAF) Chairman Dr Faisal Hashmi on Friday at a business conference, where he also acknowledged the recent government policy interventions, saying the industry had been working with other sectors to support economic stability.
‘We have seen a few reliefs from the government, and we are thankful for these great efforts,’ he said.
Hashmi said the beverage industry had invested around $3 billion in Pakistan in recent years, demonstrating the private sector’s long-term commitment to the country’s economy.
He said the sector could significantly expand its economic footprint through greater tax compliance, improved production standards and job creation across its extensive supply chain.
He called for a stable, transparent and businessfriendly regulatory framework to encourage foreign direct investment (FDI), arguing that Pakistan’s large consumer market could become more attractive to global investors.
He also urged the government to adopt a balanced fiscal policy that incentivised compliant formal businesses while bringing informal operators into the regulatory and tax systems. Staff Reporter