President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Tanvir A. Sheikh, has urged the government to provide gas connections to captive power generation units on priority basis to keep the industrial units operating. Talking to newsmen at FPCCI Iftar dinner on Thursday, he said that industries are facing huge problems due to irregular power supply by Wapda and KESC.
He criticised the proposed power tariffs, and said that if this tariff is enforced the industrial units may stop production. The FPCCI President also urged the government to withdraw 10 percent surcharge imposed on power bills.
He emphasised the need for preparing long-term policies and improving the law and order situation in the country to boost investors' confidence. Expressing concern over declining exports and increasing trade gap, he said that the economic issues need government attention on priority basis. Criticising IMF, he said that the government is looking towards IMF for financial support, which is not in the interest of the country.
He pointed out that textile is the biggest industrial sector of the country and many industries have taken loans from banks. It was decided that some relaxation in mark-up rates will be allowed to these industries, but no such announcement has been made so for. Vice President of FPCCI, Zubair F Tufail, emphasised the need for resolving Kashmir issue, which is one of the biggest hindrance in boosting trade between Pakistan and India.
He said though trade between Indian and Pakistan is already going on but it did not reflect the potential of which exists between the two countries. He said that crude oil and palm oil prices have come down considerably in the international market and urged the government to this benefit to the general public.