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PESHAWAR, Feb 01 (APP): Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) welcomed Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif’s package for promotion of industries and exports and called it an extremely positive and timely step for the country’s industries and the economy.
President Junaid Altaf, Businessman Forum Leader Ghazanfar Bilour, the chamber senior vice president Muhammad Nadeem and vice president Sabir Ahmad Bangash in a joint statement here on Sunday stated that reduction in power tariff up to Rs4.04 per unit for industrial sector, slashing export refinancing rate from 7.5 per cent to 4.5 percent, cutting down wheeling charges Rs9 per unit and provision of Blue Passport to top exporters would directly provide relief to the industrial sector.
They thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Syed Asim Munir and federal ministers for providing relief to the business community and major initiatives for industrial and business growth.
SCCI senior office bearers and Businessman leader noted the highest electricity rate over a longer period was a major challenge for the industry, which has caused an unprecedented increase in cost of industrial production, essentially many industries had been forced to either cut their productivity capacity or complete shutdown.
They have mentioned one of the most important factors is that Pakistani products cannot compete effectively with regional competitors at the global market because of the high cost of production and their competitiveness adversely affecting.
The government decision would especially benefit, due to low cost of production, Pakistani products will become more competitive in the global market, consequently, it will not only enhance export but also generate new investment avenues and employment opportunities, they added.
Senior office bearers said the move will support the government’s export-led growth agenda, because the sustainable growth in export and foreign exchange only be possible by ensuring further reduction in power tariff, simply and business-friendly tax policies, drastic cut in ratio of taxes and bringing to down the interest rate to single digit.
These reforms initiatives will bring up the country’s export from 30 to 60 billion dollars that will not only make possible to reduce the fiscal deficit but also accelerate external investment and generate vast employment opportunities.
President Junaid Altaf while hailing the government’s energy reforms stated that it is quite essential that the reduction in power tariff should be sustained on permanent grounds, so that industrialists will prepare future planning with complete confidence.
He requested the government to revisit the prices of gas and other natural resources, bringing reduction in the ratio of taxes and additional surcharges to provide complete facilities to the industrial sector.
SCCI chief hoped the consultation process will sustain the business community and such further initiatives will be announced that could prove for industrial growth, export promotion and economic stability.
President Junaid Altaf urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, FM CDF and COAS Syed Asim Munir for bringing down interest rate to single digit or 6 to 7 percent, simplification in taxation system, reduction in taxes ratio and formulation of business-friendly policies and consistency should be maintained and appealed for further steps for revival of economic and trade activities.