KARACHI, May 13: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has sought import of 37 items from India under free trade. The items on which the Chamber seeks import from India are: diesel engines, artificial and synthetic yarns including viscose, polyester, relays, terminals, voltmeter, ammeter, power factor meter, frequency meter, sychroscope, shunt, push buttons, indicating lamps, indicators, HT fuses, HT load break switches, connectors, epoxy insulators, presspan/paper board, bushing, tap changers, switches for industrial use, earthing switches, magnetic contractors overload, capacitors, relays/bimetals, LED indicating lamps, H.R.C. fuses, energy analysers, heat shrinkable sleeves, glass fiber sheet, bakelit, electrical steel sheet, parts for motors and generating set, shaft steel, kewra oil essentials, prop ionic acid and transmission belt.

In its trade policy suggestions for 2005-2006, the KCCI also seeks import of plants and machinery from India because they are being imported from third country at higher cost. The KCCI said that shipping protocol, signed between Pakistan and India in 1975, should be rectified. The chamber also called for import of finished pharmaceuticals from India at least for those finished products which are not produced locally. Finished pharmaceuticals are available in India at very much affordable prices as compared to Pakistan as India is producing over 90 per cent of its pharmaceuticals raw material requirements indigenously whereas Pakistan is almost totally dependent upon its import.

On export policy proposals, the KCCI seeks zero rates of duties and taxes on import of textile raw materials and packing materials in order to compete in quality and price in the post-quota regime.

The Chamber calls for total abolition of export development cess, which is deducted from the income of all exporters who export their products. The KCCI demands de-linking of export refinance rate from treasury bills as exporters are already facing problems of high cost of production coupled with rising utility charges. Besides, concessions should be given to textile industry by reducing the electricity charges.

Anti-dumping duties should not be imposed on raw materials and it should be focussed on finished goods. In case anti-dumping duty on raw material is imposed, simultaneous working should be done for duty drawback to compensate the additional costs of the downstream industries of similar products.

On import policy proposals, the KCCI seeks abolition of central excise duty on soap import. Besides, the ban on the import of machinery and parts in second hand condition should be lifted. There is a restriction on the import of second hand boilers which are more than five year old. The ban should either be removed or the time duration of the boilers be extended to 10 years.