LAHORE: Mining sector of Punjab is free of mafia after the implementation of business rules and true businessmen are being encouraged.
This was stated by the Provincial Minister for Mines and Minerals Chaudhry Sher Ali while talking to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Abdul Basit and Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Executive Committee Members Tahir Manzoor Chaudhry, Mian Zahid Javed, Khamis Saeed Butt, Syed Mukhtar Ali were also present in the meeting.
Provincial Minister said that the efforts are afoot for the development mines and minerals department of Punjab and special attention is being given towards technological advancement and old techniques are being replaced with the new ones that would also reduce the cost of mining. He said that mining sector is being developed in consultation with stakeholders as its efficiency is need of the hour. He sought the proposals of private sector with regard to export of gypsum that has to be looked after as country has not enough reserves of gypsum. He said that area of Chiniot has large reserves of iron ore and study is in process in this regard. He said that geological mining map of province has been prepared according to the international standards. He said that revenue from mining sector is increase gradually. He said that issues cannot be resolved without taking private sector on board.
The LCCI President Abdul Basit said that Pakistan lacks modern technology in mining. Pakistan has great reserves of natural resources ranging from gold to coal worth of billions of dollars. He said that the labour involved in mining sector is not fully trained and equipped with modern techniques. The government has to play a very active and supportive role in the development of this very sector keeping in view the massive potentials which it has and the role which it can play in the development of Pakistan.
The LCCI president said that there should be a model mine developed by the government to demonstrate the efficient mining technology and cost cuts assuring enhanced safety and productivity. He appreciated the efforts which the Government of Punjab is taking in developing this sector.
Abdul Basit urged the government to review GST for the sake of development in this sector and provide tax holiday. He said that the policy should be investment friendly to encourage not the traders rather the investors including the domestic ones by removing all possible hurdles.
He said that import of Calcium Carbonate is creating problem for local industry. There should be imposition of regulatory duty @ 30% to curb dumping and also providing level playing field to local industry. He also proposed that incentive, rebate and tax exemptions should be provided to the local industry in calcium carbonate grinding which is supplying raw material to local industry as well as exporting the same to many countries.
“Our businessmen are full of dreams and vigor to stand shoulder to shoulder with the government to participate in driving the economy towards prosperity”, the LCCI President concluded. The LCCI Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan presented the vote of thanks
