Budget proposals: Cement manufacturers hope for some relief

Urge FBR to facilitate industry, reduce duties.

LAHORE:

In a bid to get some relief in the forthcoming budget of 2014-2015, cement manufacturers have urged the Federal Board of revenue (FBR) to facilitate the industry by reducing prevalent duties on alternative fuels.

The initiative will enhance its competitiveness in the international markets, they argued.

“Cement production is an energy-intensive process and various alternatives are being explored worldwide,” said an official of the All Pakistan Cement Manufactureres Association (APCMA). “The alternatives are not only aimed at cutting energy costs but also have ecological benefits of conserving non-renewable resources, reduction of waste disposal requirements and reduction of emissions.”

He stated that these global norms have persuaded cement manufacturers in Pakistan to experiment with different options such as petroleum coke and shredded rubber tyres, as they possess higher energy value.

The cement industry has already requested to reduce the duty rate on non-calcined petroleum coke (HS Code 2713.1100) and shredded rubber scraps to 0% from the current 5% and 10% ad valorem.

These substitutes will allow the cement manufacturers to reduce energy costs, allowing them to export its surplus capacity, explained the official.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 21^st, 2014.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.