RAWALPINDI: The potential of Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) Plus status given to Pakistan more than one and half years ago by European Union (EU) has not been explored properly as one sector: textile is only being paying full attention instead of all sectors.
This was stated by Rawalpindi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) President Mian Humayun Pervez, while giving an exclusive interview to Customs Today, adding that due to the lack of planning expected impact on economy of Pakistan after GSP Plus status has not been witnessed so far.
Pervez said that federal and Punjab government should take all sectors on board while formulating the policies, instead of adopting the policies of foreign countries that are not made for us.
The policies should be made according to working environment of country, besides developing obstacles to the progress of the industry and businesses that occurs due to the incompatible plans, he said.
Saying that business community was facing various tax issues, Pervez said that one of the major issues was imposition of withholding tax on banking transaction that need to be addressed on a priority basis.
He said rates of import duty on yarn, energy and fuels were dipping in the international markets, but the situation in Pakistan was opposite to the reality.
“To improve the arid economy of Pothohar, we are required to build water reservoirs to store the rainwater for agricultural purposes, which are otherwise wasted,” he said, adding that good fertilizers should be added to soil to increase the production.
He said that RCCI was planning to meet its energy shortage through alternate energy sources i.e. solar power project. He added that awareness sessions were being held to motivate the members of the RCCI to use alternate energy resources.
To export skilled labour in foreign countries, the government should aware the youth, besides developing the skill centers in country, he said and added that people those are willing to go abroad, should contact to registered and licence holder companies.
He said that interest free loans should be offered to beginners and entrepreneurs, adding that RCCI was the platform used by “Akhuwat” to launch itself.
RCCI is not only sponsoring the health facilities but also financing the sports events in the city, he disclosed.
RCCI also arranged internship for students as it has signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with academic institutions for cooperation, Pervez said.
