Energy package for Export Industry.

IN a major development, Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved in principle the continuity of energy package for export industry for the next five years and these reduced rates of gas and electricity reportedly will also be made part of new textile policy.

Certainly by providing cheap gas and electricity, we can uplift our export industry and make their products more competitive at the world markets. Over the last ten years or so, our exports have remained stagnant and urgent measures are need of the hour, if the government is serious to address the economic woes of the country and get it out of debt trap. Providing gas and electricity to the industries on low rates is a first step towards that direction and this should be accompanied by more measures so that the country could really exploit its export potential.

Textile industry's reservations on the sales tax should also be addressed by sitting with the representatives of APTMA and their genuine demands should be met so that they are not faced with any liquidity problem or their products do not become uncompetitive in the international market. It is because of years of neglect that Bangladesh's textile exports surpassed us. Our textile...