HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Industries president Altaf Memon has said that withdrawal of 17 per cent tax on solar power system is a welcome step as it will help overcome the energy crisis in the country.

He also called for a review of the list of banned items in consultation with stakeholders.

In a statement issued here on Sunday, he said that the business community hailed the decision of banning import of 38 luxury items.

The decision would bridge the gap between imports and exports — a burden of $6 billion on national economy — which could be lessened by this decision. However, he added that this decision was taken in haste.

He said that the list included some products of daily use which would hit small- and medium-size traders.

He said that an entire chapter had been included in the list of banned luxury goods and items.

He said that the chapter-8 dealt with import of fresh coconut, almonds, dates, cashew nuts etc. He said that coconut was imported from Sri Lanka as it was not grown here. He said it was very important for Hindu and Muslim religious festivals. He added that it would have been better, if all traders were consulted before banning the items.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2022