In order to boost exports of the country, there is a need to bring down sales tax rate to single digit. The exports have come down due to issues including infrastructure issues and flaws in revenue collection. Dr Qaiser Bengali, leading economist, observed these views while delivering speech on the topic of present economic situation of the country at Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) the other day.
He said that the economic growth was slow during past years due to lack of consensus on core issues. Further the policymakers failed to give sustainable framework and focused on short-term policies. He said that imports of the country were increasing and oil bill was around 40 percent of annual imports. He said that the country was dependent on oil import for electricity need.
He suggested that the government could take benefit from Thar Coal to meet energy needs. Dr Bengali also pointed out towards future water crises and said that the authorities should adopt modern technologies against such challenges. He stressed upon diversification of export destinations. For the past many years Pakistan's exports was dependent upon rice, leather and garments, which should be expended to other products. The presentation of Dr Qaiser Bengali was hosted by Tajwar Baig, Chairman, FPCCI Standing Committee for Corporate Relations.
On the occasion FPCCI vice presidents, Arshaf Farooq, Zulfiqar Ali Shaikh attended the event. Gulzar Feroze, Waseem Vohra, Farooq Dhedi, Nasir Chandana, Shahzad Ghouri, Farzana Khan were also present. Dr Qaiser Bengali appreciated the role of FPCCI for promotion of country's trade. He pointed out to housing shortage and said that in Karachi there were 200,000 plots available. He said that the housing shortage can be overcome by providing easy housing loans to masses.
Earlier, Senior Vice President Shaikh Khalid Tawab acknowledged the contribution of Dr Qaiser Bangali. He said that the government had failed to achieve growth targets but industrial growth was improved and interest rate was declined. He stressed the need for resolving major irritants to improve the exports. He also said that the business community and the government were discussing budget anomalies. Senator Abdul Qayyum Somro on the occasion said that in the past political instability hampered economic growth.
Vice President FPCCI Hanif Gauhar said such policies should be framed, which yield positive results instead of creating more burdens for nation. He said that in the past government offices were used by the vested interests. Hanif Gauhar pointed out that only 61 FIRs had been lodged in TDAP cases.