Islamabad: Divisions seems to be emerging as leaders of business community lambasted Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce (FPCCI) on Friday for its ineptness in addressing the decline in exports.
They demanded the government to take them into confidence to address this fall in exports. FPCCI’s Chairman Business Panel, Mian Anjum Nasir urged the government to address the decline in exports on an urgent basis, reported a local newspaper.
Nisar said export-oriented sectors had barely attracted any investment and which remained a cause of serious concern, he lamented. He shared that due to intense competition with emerging regional players like Bangladesh and Vietnam, margins had become unattractive.
Also, he added “There are issues that need to be addressed regarding the tariff policy… monetary policy and lack of initiatives by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).”
He said due to lack of investment, exporters weren’t ready for changing consumer preferences in partner countries.
FPCCI President Zubair Tufail was furious over the allegations that the body hadn’t done enough to represent the business community interests.
Tufail shared that earlier this week, Mr Nisar had sat right next to him during FPCCI’s managing committee meeting and remained quiet throughout. He said he couldn’t understand as to the reasons for his sudden outburst.
He highlighted the steps taken by FPCCI regarding the issues of non-payment of tax refunds and energy pricing. Tufail shared that a meeting had been held with the commerce minister a few days ago and shortly afterwards, the minister had called him saying the PM was ready to meet a FPCCI delegation and discuss these issues.
Furthermore, he added that FPCCI had demanded a uniform tariff of electricity for industry across Pakistan, including decrease in tariff to Rs9 per unit from Rs12 in Punjab and Rs14 in Karachi. Reduction in gas tariffs, are also being sought, Tufail said
