KARACHI: President North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI) has lauded the reduction in electricity tariff for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and industries, saying that the decision would reduce production cost.
In a statement, NKATI president said it is also important to reduce gas and water tariff, which will not only boost exports but also help deal with the dire economic situation due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced 50 percent cut on additional electricity usage for SMEs, while industries would be provided 25 percent relief on additional usage of electricity from 1st November. The industries would be provided electricity at off-peak hours rate around the clock for next three years.
Faisal Moiz Khan said that one of the major reasons for the increase in production cost are higher tariffs of electricity, gas and water. However, relief package for SMEs and industries would reduce production cost and enable exporters to compete in global markets. “SMEs are the backbone of the economy of every country, we request PM Imran khan to promote and give more facility to SMEs like this,” he said.
In a recent meeting of industrialists with the prime minister, he had requested for reduction in taxes as well as appropriate cut in utility charges to provide relief to SMEs and industries. “Prime Minister Imran Khan fulfilled the promise made to the industrialists by announcing cut in electricity tariff which is hailed by the entire industrial community,” Faisal Moiz mentioned.
He further added that the country was once again witnessing an increase in the severity of the coronavirus epidemic. Only by providing relief to industries in such a situation can the economy be saved from the effects of the Corona epidemic, he added.
He stated that the prime minister’s package would boost the industries in the country as well as create vast employment opportunities and would also enable the declining exports of Pakistan to increase again which would stabilise the economy.
“For the first time in the history, SMEs and industries have been given such a big package in the form of cut in electricity tariffs which is the vision of the PTI government. Prime Minister Imran Khan wants to bring an economic revolution in the country. In this context, it is a big step”, NKATI president said.
He added that the reduction in production cost was essential for the growth of industries in the country. However, high gas tariff is also a major reason for the increase in production costs, so also cut in gas and water tariffs, could boost industries on a large scale and bring about a major economic revolution in the country.
