PESHAWAR, Feb 19: The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has opposed a commerce ministry’s decision authorising the Trade Development Authority (TDA) to issue ‘certificates of origin’ to exporters.

SCCI acting president Haji Mohammad Israr said the move would deprive the chambers across the country of substantial income which they earned by issuing the certificates.

He said the ministry had recently withdrawn the power of the chambers to issue the certificates and delegated it to the TDA.

He expressed apprehension that the decision might lead to misuse of the certificates.

Haji Israr said the Trade Development Authority should concentrate on boosting the country’s exports, exploring new markets and facilitating the exporters.