KARACHI: Pakistan Hoesiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA) reiterated its demand for a separate and the lowest possible tariff of the utilities for export sectors to make these competitive in the region, which is very essential to jack the declining exports and boost these further.
The cost of doing business in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and China was very low against that in Pakistan, said PHMA Chairman Southern Zone M.Riaz Ahmed while talking to APP here. He pointed out that the rate of water for industrial consumption was the highest in Karachi against the rate in other areas of the country. Besides, the industries were facing shortage of water supply and could not continue their production activities to their full capacity.
“Till the cost of inputs is cut significantly, and smooth supply of utilities and availability of better infrastructure was ensured, there will be no increase in exports,” he argued. The PHMA leader also urged for the release of remaining funds to textile industry allocated under five-year textile policies — one and two.
“We have received only 10 of these funds till date,” he claimed. M.Riaz Ahmed stressed that payments to the rebate claims be made immediately through State Bank of Pakistan.
He regretted that textile units were being shifted to other countries for high cost of doing business and lack of the required facilities.
