Rafique Suleman: Electricity prices should be further reduced to boost exports

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s decision to reject the proposal for banning the cultivation of two rice crops is a positive move

KARACHI, APRIL 3 (DNA): Rafique Suleman, former Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) and Convener of the FPCCI Rice Standing Committee, appreciated the announcement by Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif to reduce electricity prices for industrial users by PKR 7.59 to PKR 40.60 per unit, and for residential users by PKR 7.41 to PKR 34.37 per unit. However, he demanded that electricity prices be further reduced to avoid any negative impact on exports. He stated that the reduction in electricity prices is not sufficient for the industry, and there will be a decline in rice exports in the coming months. He urged Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to take immediate notice of this situation as the industry needs a further reduction in electricity prices, and the fixed charges should be abolished.

Rafique Suleman further said that when Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif himself acknowledges that high electricity prices are a significant barrier to development and prosperity, and that without a significant reduction in electricity prices, the country cannot develop, then why haven’t the electricity prices for the industrial sector been reduced based on these facts? He also suggested that the 2% additional tax on solar plate imports be abolished, and net metering be made easier.

Additionally, Rafique Suleman praised the decision by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz to reject the proposal for banning the cultivation of two rice crops, calling it a positive move. He emphasized that this decision will increase rice production, benefit farmers, and bring foreign exchange into the country, which is urgently needed by Pakistan.

Rafique Suleman concluded by stating that the business community will continue to fully support the efforts being made by Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir and Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif for the development of the national economy.