Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh has urged the government to announce a comprehensive, effective and multi-sectoral winter package for trade and industry to mitigate and overcome challenges in industrial production. Â
Sheikh said industries are in a dire need of facilitation, incentivization and cost-cutting measures to meet export targets through competitiveness in the export markets. Â
In a statement, he that the primary demand of FPCCI is Rs. 20 per unit electricity tariff for export-oriented industries as, at the moment, the biggest contributor to the cost of production and cost of doing business in Pakistan is electricity tariff; which also happens to be the highest in the region and, also the highest, as compared to competitors in the export markets. Â
He cautioned that any conditional eligibility criteria tied to incremental gas consumption, as was the case last year, would unfairly exclude and neglect many export-oriented industries. Last year, several units did not have gas supply connections; which made it impossible for them to meet this conditionality, he explained.Â
Therefore, FPCCI demands that the government should offer the winter package without conditions – ensuring equal access to all export-oriented industries. This inclusive and transparent approach will boost exports, employment and economic growth. We urge the government to prioritize the well-being of all export industries; rather than creating unnecessary discrepancies and exclusions, he added. Â
He assured the government that trade and industry remains committed to collaborating with the government to promote Pakistan’s economic growth and export competitiveness.Â
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