The Hindu : Business : Pakistan allows private sector to import cattle

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, May 05, 2005

Business

Business

Pakistan allows private sector to import cattle

B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has allowed its private sector to import one million head of cattle and six other food items from neighbouring countries, including India, via land routes without any duty and withholding tax.

The decision has been taken to improve the supply situation in the country and curb prices. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has approved the import of beef, mutton, tomato, onion, garlic and potato through the private sector from the regional countries, including China and India, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance, Salman Shah, told the press after a meeting with Mr. Aziz.

The move is a departure from the current policy of minimum trade with India. Pakistan's trade with India is governed by what is known as the `positive list' under which only 800 plus items are allowed to be imported.

According to preliminary estimates of the Government, Pakistan requires the import of around one million live animals in a year, which will be brought through land routes from India, he said. It is estimated to cost $40 million.

Dr. Shah said the Prime Minister has directed the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock and the Central Bureau of Revenue to facilitate the import without duty and withholding tax.

He said that since livestock in Afghanistan and Iran is expensive, the Government has allowed the private sector to import it from China and India. Similarly, tomato, onion, garlic and potatoes would be imported.

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