IMF mission chief calls on Asad Umar, discusses tax reforms

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) new mission chief Ernesto Ramirez Rigo on Tuesday called on Finance Minister Asad Umar here in Islamabad, ARY News reported.

Matters of mutual interests, tax reforms, widening of tax net and other issues were came under discussion in the meeting, said sources.

Finance Minister Asad Umar briefed the IMF new mission chief about the two mini budgets presented by the current government. He apprised Ernesto Ramirez Rigo of steps taken against the tax evaders.

IMF mission chief expressed concerned over reduction in tax collection target while Asad Umar apprised  Ernesto Ramirez Rigo of the reason behind the decline in revenue collection.

Read More: IMF mission chief arrives, to hold talks with Pakistani officials on bailout

Earlier in the day,  the officials of Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) holding crucial talks for a bailout package on Tuesday as the IMF new mission chief Ernesto Ramirez Rigo had arrived in Islamabad.

He would also hold talks with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) officials and the economic team constituted by the government.

Pakistan could ask for $6 to $8 billion loan from the IMF, sources said. The final agreement between IMF and Pakistan could reach in April in Washington when the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank hold a session, according to the sources.

Finance Minister Asad Umar had earlier said that talks with the IMF had entered in final phase.