SCCI calls for special concessions on electricity, gas rates, taxes

PESHAWAR: Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Fuad Ishaq has demanded a 20-year concession on electricity, gas rates and exemption of income and sales tax and provision of lands on subsidised rates to revive trade and economic activities, as well as bringing prosperity, stability and progress to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The SCCI chief called for provision for facilities to investors under a one-window operation.He stressed the need for giving due rights of KP on electricity, gas that would help in business and industry growth and setting up new industries, consequently opening new avenues of employment in the province.

He also urged bureaucracy to play a role in removal of business community miseries and issues by enforcement of viable and concrete policies.Fuad Ishaq was speaking to members during the visit of a 12-member probationary officer of the Special Training Programme (STP) at the chamber house here on Wednesday, led by Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development (PITAD) Director Dost Muhammad.

Apart from the SCCI vice president Ejaz Khan Afridi, members of the chamber executive committee Javed Akhtar, Haji Ghulam Hussain, Muhammad Ismail, and Acting Secretary General Muqtasid Ahsan, a large number of traders, industrialists, importers and exporters were in presence in the meeting.

A detailed briefing was also delivered through a multimedia presentation, highlighting the origin of the chamber, its aim and objectives, important initiatives, role of the SCCI in resolution of the business community issues, business and industrial growth, and future plan and programmes.

Keeping in mind the prevailing scenario, Fuad stressed signing the charter of economy and proper consultation with chambers, traders and relevant stakeholders to put the economy on the right track.

He said that businessmen in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were faced with hardships due to the long distance of the seaport.He, however, said that though KP has been blessed with natural resources which is a net exporter of electricity and gas, it is still being charged the same rates as other federating units, which he termed unfair and unjustifiable.