American Business Council Asks Govt to Reconsider Removal of 25% Advertising Expense Policy

The American Business Council has urged the federal government to reconsider the removal of the 25 percent Sales Promotion, Advertising and Publicity (SAP) expense policy. It said the government has disallowed 25 percent of SAP expenses creating a significant marketing cost, especially for multinationals that rely on advertising to sell fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). This means a higher tax liability for foreign companies, already struggling with current macroeconomic conditions. It also means an anti-competitive and discriminatory landscape targeting foreign investors. A delegation from the American Business Council held meetings in Islamabad today on this matter with Federal Minister for Investments, Aleem Khan; Chairperson of Senate Standing Committee, Finance, Saleem Mandviwala; Members of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC); and Secretary Finance, Imdad Ullah Bosal. As the apex American Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan they shared their urgent concerns. Speaking about the issue, Sami Wahid, Managing Director of Mondalez Pakistan and a Member of the American Business Council said, The delegation of American Business Council also included John Letvin, Economics Counselor, US Embassy; Aisha Sarwari, Senior Director Public Affairs Coca-Cola Pak-Afg; Jamil Mughal, COO, McDonald’s; Khurram Qamar, Director External Affairs Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited; and Basit Pirzada, Head of Public Policy, PepsiCo. They represent about 60 American companies’ membership in Pakistan that have invested billions of dollars in the past few decades. When a global brand expands into a new market, it requires a substantial investment in marketing and advertising, typically accounting for almost 25-30 percent of net revenue in the first three years to establish its presence. Retroactive applications, after the financial year has closed, will damage the country’s credibility as a favorable investment hub. While Pakistan is looking to reinvent its image as a viable investment destination and build upon grounds such as the United States and Pakistan Tax Treaty and an Investment Framework Agreement for equal treatment, this budget proposal will dissuade investors seeing large markets from considering Pakistan in the future.