Appreciating the conversion of Duddar (Lasbela) and Gujranwala Industrial Areas into Export Processing Zones (EPZs), President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) Hussain Ahmed Ozgen has said that the role of EPZs is very important in enhancing the exports of a country and leading the country's economy towards stability.
Talking to a delegation of traders of Rawalpindi city here on Tuesday in the Chamber office, he said that this step of the government would definitely have positive impacts on the economy of the country by enhancing the exports of the country.
Ozgen said: "EPZs are sign of the export strength of a country and promotion of two industrial areas into EPZs has proved the government's commitment towards a sustainable economy." "EPZs are playing important role in increasing the exports of the country as the exporters and investors are enjoying a lot of facilities, like tax and duty rebate," he added.
He stressed the need of establishment of more EPZs in the country in order to encourage the exporters of the country and bring more foreign exchange.
"Government should take appropriate measures for establishment of industries in Rawalpindi as being close area to Central Asia, China and Afghanistan, it has great importance," he said and added that industrial areas of Hattar and Rawat in Rawalpindi would play important role in stability of the country's economy.
Government, he said should give more privileges to the industrialists of Rawalpindi in order to make this city a big industrial area.
MAXIMUM TAX REBATE: Talking on the budget proposals for the next fiscal year, Ozgen said that the government should provide the maximum tax rebate to the industrialists and make the system easy.
"It is need of the hour that General Sales Tax limit should be enhanced to Rs 150,000 from Rs 80,000 and the rate should be fixed 10 percent," he said.