Speaking at the Leaders in Islamabad Business Summit 2026, a top executive from the global beverage industry commended recent relief interventions under the Finance Act 2026 while making a strong case for a predictable, balanced fiscal policy to accelerate economic recovery.
Dr. Faisal Hashmi, Senior Director at The Coca-Cola Company and Chairman of the Beverages Advisory Foundation, urged policymakers to incentivize tax-compliant formal market players while bringing the expansive informal sector into the regulatory net and tax regime.
Key Highlights of the Address
- Massive Sector Investment: Demonstrating the long-term commitment of international businesses, Dr. Hashmi highlighted that the beverage industry alone has invested approximately $3 billion in Pakistan in recent years.
- Formalizing the Informal Sector: Bringing undocumented operators into the tax fold and under quality control standards will broaden the national tax base, protect consumer health, and reassure global investors.
- Unlocking Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): A stable, transparent, and equitable tax framework is essential to leverage Pakistan’s high-density market, making it far more attractive for much-needed foreign capital.
- Broader Economic & Social Impact: With a level playing field, the sector can expand its footprint through supply chain livelihood creation, environmental stewardship, and youth development initiatives.
