AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Karachi, August 11 2013 (PPI-OT): The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has urged the government of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) not to make the mistake of increasing electricity charges by 70% in one short as it would adversely affect the feasibility of many SME units and make them uncompetitive by increasing the cost of production.
President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver said it is advisable for the economic managers to look at the hyper inflation, unemployment, fall in production of industrial units and also the depreciation of the rupee and take short term and long term measures for improving the economy.
An economist is supposed to study the resources, the behavior of the economy and the role of the government but unfortunately the country has had bankers and accountants as economic managers instead of economist. The contemplated 70% increase in electricity is considered crazy and a grave mistake as it would destroy the industries.
He said the business community is very much disappointed because it expected very positive steps for energy generation, facilitating the SME units and lowering cost of production but it seems the finance mangers are ill advising the finance minister Ishaq Dar and he is playing into their hands without examining the repercussions of increasing the electricity rates by 70% which is exorbitant and beyond comprehension.
He said it would be understandable if the charges were increased very gradually over a period of time and with the simultaneous promotion of alternate energy systems of solar, wind and biomass. The government needs to exempt all alternate energy devices from import duties and sales tax to promote the use of renewable energy but despite demands from the sector the government has given a deaf ear.
The union has invited the attention of the prime minister and urged him to seek the help of experienced economist to advise the government to improve the economy.
For more information, Contact:
Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME)
75/1 3rd Commercial Street,
Phase IV, D.H.A., Karachi, Pakistan
Phones: + 92 35884225 and 6
Cell: + 92 300 8245307 and + 92 321 8245307
Fax: + 92 35380642
Email: unisame@gmail.com