Coalition conditions: QWP demands revival of Risalpur export zone

Says K-P’s trade westward with Afghanistan to help sick economy

PESHAWAR: The Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) wants the federal government to allow exports to Afghanistan from Risalpur Export Processing Zone. The export processing zone was set up in 1997-98 and is spread over 200 acres of land.

QWP Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa President Sikandar Sherpao told The Express Tribune on Monday the country could earn a billion dollars if warehouse exports were allowed to Afghanistan. The term warehouse exports is used to denote the sale of those goods which country A imports from Country B, adds value to and then exports to Country B or C.

This step, according to Sherpao, would be more advantageous if the federal government waived off sales tax imposed on exported goods.

“Starting warehouse exports to Afghanistan will greatly benefit the traders of the province.”

Sherpao said not allowing the K-P government and its businessmen to export to Afghanistan was an “injustice.”

Soon to become part of the coalition government in K-P, QWP has demanded local industry be revived as soon as possible.

Pak-Aghan Join Chamber of Commerce Vice President Zahidullah Shinwari said, “Exports to Afghanistan under Duty and Tax Remission Scheme and Manufacturing Bonds to Afghanistan were allowed but they are not warehouse exports.”

Shinwari said, “Hundreds of units have been closed or made partially operational due to militancy and power outages.” QWP believes that concerted efforts need to be made to provide power and gas to all industrial units so that they remain operational.

This would also ensure that thousands of jobs for the skilled and non-skilled labour would be created within the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 14^th, 2015.