August 17, 2003	Sunday	Jumadi-us-Sani 18, 1424

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GUJRANWALA, Aug 16: The business community and transporters sharply criticized the government for increasing the prices of petroleum products and demanded that it should be withdrawn instantly as it would cause price hike.

They were speaking at a joint meeting held here on Saturday to review the impact of raise in petrol price on the common man.

They termed the increase in petrol and diesel prices unjust as the price of crude oil was stable in the international market. They found no plausible reason for such an increase.

Traders representatives said the government should have been provided better facilities to manufacturers, including provision of electricity and gas on cheaper rate, so that national economy could grow. Instead, the government was imposing sophisticated taxes on them besides enhancing rates of petrol and gas, they added.

Transporters and public transport vehicle owners also expressed concern on the increase in petrol and diesel prices and threatened that they would increase fare if the government did not withdraw increase in petrol price.

INVEST IN NIGERIA: Nigerian ambassador to Pakistan A. D. Idris Waziri offered manufacturers to invest in his country as the government constituted free trade zone there for the promotion of industry.

He said at the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Saturday that an exhibition of local industrial products attracted Nigerian traders.

He said there was a lot of scope of bilateral trade between the two countries. He assured full cooperation to Pakistani industrialists if they invested in his country.

Earlier, he was warmly welcomed by the chamber office-bearers on his arrival.

The chamber officials put up various proposals for the promotion of trade between two countries and extended their cooperation to the Nigerian business community.