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MCCI chief demands Cotton Bureau

RECORDER REPORT

MULTAN: The Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has said spinners, ginners, exporters, value-added manufacturers and cotton growers be taken into confidence before declaring a cotton policy in mid-March.

In a press statement, MCCI chief Mian Fareed Mughis Sheikh said here that it was not possible for the government to procure entire production of cotton through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) as stated by Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf because it involves billions of rupees.

This experiment, he added, has failed in past when the Cotton Export Corporation (CEC) was established. The MCCI chief demanded for the establishment of a separate Cotton Bureau on the pattern of the Export Promotion Bureau. He hoped that this step would help in resolving the problems of cotton economy from sowing to marketing and exports. He reiterated his demand for the establishment of an Economic Advisory Board and due representation be given to South Punjab zone.

The MCCI chief suggested that in order to make out exportable items/goods more competitive, all imported inputs used by the export-oriented industry be exempted from all local levies and taxes besides, streamlining and simplifying the Export Refinance Part-1 scheme.

The MCCI also demanded for the establishment of an Export Development Bank to deal with exporters/importers and helping in boosting up exports by providing specialised services to them.

He said the existing taxation system be simplified and all anomalies be removed besides withdrawal of discretionary powers of assessing officers.

He also reiterated demand for upgradation of Multan airport so that wide-bodied plane could land there and fresh fruits, vegetables and other items could be exported directly.