20000207FVEA urges PIA to withdraw fuel surcharge on fruits export

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: The Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (FVEA) has demanded of the PIA authorities to withdraw the recently imposed Rs. 5 per kg fuel surcharge on fresh produce exports.

Mohammad Ali Asad, secretary general of FVEA, said in a statement here on Sunday that the surcharge, which is being imposed by PIA with effect from February 7, would result in making Pakistani fruit and vegetable market less competitive in the world.

If PIA did not take back the decision, Pakistani exports will have to face tough competition against Indian and Bangladeshi produce, he said.

He said that it was unfortunate that fruit and vegetables, branded as non-traditional exports, were still deprived of the required incentives despite having great potential for earning foreign exchange.

However, he hailed the federal government for granting 25 percent freight subsidy for potato exports, saying the decision will result in broadening the export base of the country.

The FVEA secretary general urged the PIA authorities to withdraw the fuel surcharge in the interest of the exporters and the country.