HYDERABAD, June 19: The Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has hailed the Sindh budget, saying it will increase investment and give a boost to the agriculture sector of the province.

In a statement issued here on Wednesday, HCCI president Abdul Razzaq Memon said that establishment of a pension board and a provincial finance commission, 15 per cent increase in salaries of government employees and amendments to excise and taxation laws were welcome steps.

He appreciated the Sindh chief minister and the finance minister for exempting owners of 120 yards houses and 600 square feet flats from paying property tax and abolishing property tax in Thatta and Badin districts and some areas of Karachi for one year. He also lauded abolition of agriculture tax on 12 to 16 acres of irrigated land and 24 to 32 acres of non-irrigated land.—Bureau