Key Takeaways
- Coca-Cola's senior director calls for a balanced fiscal policy.
- The company has invested $3 billion in Pakistan over recent years.
- A stable regulatory environment is seen as key to attracting FDI.
Dr Faisal Hashmi, Senior Director of The Coca-Cola Company and Chairman of the Beverages Advisory Foundation, has called for a balanced fiscal policy in Pakistan. Speaking at the 'Leaders in Islamabad Business Summit 2026', Dr Hashmi highlighted the importance of incentivizing compliant, formal market players while bringing the large informal sector under regulatory oversight.
Dr Hashmi expressed gratitude for the recent policy interventions by the government, stating, 'We have seen a few relief measures from the government, and we are thankful for these great efforts.'
The beverage industry, according to Dr Hashmi, has the potential to drive broader economic growth. He emphasized that the sector has invested around $3 billion in Pakistan over recent years, contributing significantly to the economy.
Dr Hashmi stressed the need for a level playing field and an equitable, business-friendly tax regime. He argued that this would enable the sector to expand its economic footprint through transparent tax compliance, high-quality production standards, and large-scale livelihood creation.
He further noted that by establishing a predictable, stable, and transparent regulatory landscape, global investors would view Pakistan’s high-density market more favourably, opening doors to much-needed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Dr Hashmi highlighted that strengthened FDI and sustainable growth in the beverage sector would enable industry leaders to reinvest meaningfully into local communities through social impact initiatives, environmental stewardship programmes, and youth development.
A balanced fiscal policy, as advocated by Dr Hashmi, would also document and regulate informal operators, thereby widening the national tax base and safeguarding consumer health through standardized quality controls.
Dr Hashmi concluded by emphasizing that such a policy would send a strong, positive signal to global markets and investors, ensuring that economic growth translates into lasting community progress.
We have seen a few relief from the government, and we are thankful for these great efforts.
Dr Faisal Hashmi, Senior Director, The Coca-Cola Company and Chairman of the Beverages Advisory Foundation
By establishing a predictable, stable, and transparent regulatory landscape, global investors will view Pakistan’s high-density market far more favourably, opening doors to much-needed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Dr Faisal Hashmi, Senior Director, The Coca-Cola Company and Chairman of the Beverages Advisory Foundation
