Energy-saving equipment: LCCI wants duty removed

This will help bridge gap between demand and supply of electricity

LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called for scrapping the recently imposed customs duty on energy-saving equipment in order to keep them within the reach of all.

Speaking at a meeting of the chamber’s executive committee on Tuesday, LCCI President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said exempting all energy-saving equipment like LED and SMD from customs duty was a must to bridge the gap between demand and supply of energy.

He pointed out that Pakistan was an energy-starved country that necessitated the need for taking extraordinary measures to fill the gap between electricity demand and supply. However, illogical decisions like imposition of duty on energy-saving equipment are being taken.

He stressed that all sorts of energy-saving equipment should be exempted from taxes and duties to get rid of load-shedding within the shortest possible time. Solar equipment should also be included in the list of duty-free items to encourage utilisation of alternative energy resources, he said.

“We all are aware of the present challenges to our economy, especially the … severe energy crisis. We desperately need some good alternatives and viable solutions,” the LCCI chief said.

He voiced the hope that the government would accelerate its efforts for the promotion of alternative energy resources besides allowing duty-free import of all energy-saving equipment to keep them within the reach of common man.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13^th, 2016.

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