FPCCI urges govt to resolve GIDC issue

Published January 17, 2019
"The gas cess has rendered local industry uncompetitive against cheaper imports from China." — File
"The gas cess has rendered local industry uncompetitive against cheaper imports from China." — File

KARACHI: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has urged the government to address the issue of Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) by taking stakeholders into confidence.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, FPCCI Vice President Ismail Suttar said the gas cess has rendered local industry uncompetitive against cheaper imports from China and far eastern countries. He said the PTI government should get industry on board before deciding on GIDC.

He regretted that past governments instead of raising taxes from unregistered persons resorted to imposing GIDC to boost up revenue collection. The imposition of GIDC on industry has been a major cause behind shutdowns and reduction in activity in the country.

Meanwhile, Punjab’s textile millers on Tuesday agreed to negotiate the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) issue out-of-court after the proposal was floated by government during negotiations held in 2018.

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2019

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...