Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday, 4 August 2017 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) yesterday expressed dismay over apparent moves by Government authorities to remove Cess on imported products hitherto imposed as a protective measure for local enterprises.
The chamber, which has over 600 export-oriented enterprises in its membership across all product sectors and many services which are represented by over 40 sectoral heads in its council, has voiced serious concern since it is understood that moves are afoot to remove Cess on imported products as a part of policy reforms related to free trade, it said in a statement. The chamber is concerned that in spite of assurances given at various times by the Prime Minister and the relevant subject ministers that the private sector will be consulted before making any significant policy changes, the purported move to remove Cess across the board on imported products will have severe adverse consequences on local enterprises.
In the above context the chamber is of the view that an opportunity should be provided for the various sectoral heads to assess the implications of such a move on local enterprises in their particular sectors and make suggestions regarding remedial measures before any action is taken to remove the Cess on imported products, which has a direct consequence on local products.
It is understood there is a similar suggestion to remove the Export Cess imposed currently on exports of certain basic raw materials, which encourages value addition domestically.
The chamber proposes to conduct a brainstorming forum in the near future with representatives of the relevant product sectors to discuss this issue, with a view to propose remedial measures, and urged the concerned state authorities to defer any moves to remove the existing Cess on imported products as well as the Export Cess imposed on the export of certain raw materials without proper consultations with the private sector.
