Reap for privatisation of Sindh, Punjab rice research institutes

The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap) has proposed that the government should privatise all rice research institutes in Sindh and Punjab.
In a letter to the Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance, the association noted that these rice research centres and institutes meant for training of workforce and research but no funds were provided since last many years and as such no research work was carried out on the seed
The association further demanded that the government should allow duty free import of all machinery used in rice sector. The association further recommended that the government allow import of machinery used in rice sector from India, which is 50 percent cheaper than Germany and Japan.
The association further proposed that the government should allow zero rated sales tax charges on consumption of electricity from rice sector The association further proposed that the government should also allow zero rated sales tax on polypropylene bags, which are presently charged at the rate of 15 percent.
The association pointed out that around Rs 240 millions refund claims of rice exporters are outstanding against sales tax department which have not been pain since last three years. The association demanded release of 12 million dollars outstanding against freight subsidy of rice exporters.