Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry assured full support and cooperation in the issues of Tea Industry, Says Abdul Rahim Janoo, Senior Vice President FPCCI

Islamabad, May 05, 2015 (PPI-OT): Tea Industry is one of the most important industries of Pakistan and it has huge contribution towards Pakistan economy. This was stated by Abdul Rahim Janoo, Senior Vice President of FPCCI in a meeting held with Khalid Puri, Chairman Pakistan Tea Association (PTA) who visited Federation House, Karachi today. The meeting was also attended by Rafiq Suleman, Samiullah, Altaf, Ashraf and others.

Abdul Rahim Janoo, while appreciating the role of PTA in promotion of bilateral trade activities, he emphasized the need of unity in business community for the enhancement of bilateral trade activities and economic prosperity of the country.

On this occasion, Khalid Puri, Chairman, Pakistan Tea Association (PTA) said that Tea is the top most consumable item of our country but unluckily due to massive smuggling through various channels, this industry has been suffering a lot. He further proposed reduction of import duty on tea from 10% to 5%, Sales Tax from 17% to 6%, Income Tax from 6% to 3% and Advance Sales Tax from 3% to 0% be incorporated in the forthcoming Federal Budget with the view to curb smuggling and encourage its import through legal channel.

The Chairman PTA also stated that the impact of duties and taxes on tea have rendered its legal import into smuggling regime particularly through Pak-Afghan Transit Trade Agreement (PATTA), thus depriving the national exchequer from about Rs. 12 billion annually, this can effectively be controlled through fiscal measures rather than administrative measures.

Abdul Rahim Janoo suggested for immediate submission of the budget proposals of PTA for the protection of Tea Industry of Pakistan for onward submission to government by FPCCI. He also ensured that FPCCI will take up the matter with Chairman FBR and a letter will be send to him for necessary consideration. He also assured full support and cooperation of FPCCI to PTA.

For more information, contact:
M. A. Lodhi
Secretary General
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)
B-1, Federation House, Main Clifton Road,
Shahra-e-Firdousi,
Karachi-75600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-35873691, 93-94
Fax: +92-21-35874332
Email: info@fpcci.com.pk
URL: www.fpcci.com.pk