70 percent of federal revenue generated in Sindh

President Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI), Goharullah while talking to Business Recorder here on Sunday, said that the province of Sindh contributes 70 percent of revenue to the federal government.
He said that industrial and business sector helps Hyderabad Tax Collectorate achieve targets fixed by the Federal Board of Revenue. The business and industrial community of Hyderabad does not lag behind in any way. According to facts and figures, up to 30th June 2010, it contributed rupees three billion and 250 million towards Income Tax, rupees nine billion Sales Tax and Rs920 million as Federal Excise Duty.
He maintained that during the current year up to February 2011, Income Tax collected was up to rupees three billion and 810 million and Sales Tax rupees five billion and 660 million. Goharullah informed that Site Hyderabad covers an area of about 1,264 acres on which 400 industries and warehouses are built. He revealed that only 246 industries are presently working and some area of Site Hyderabad has been occupied by encroachments. Sindh Small Industrial Estate is established on 50 acres, he added.
He said that on this area, 130 industries are working whereas, 10 industries are closed. He said that industrialists are working under very difficult conditions, as Site's infrastructure is completely damaged and worn-out. When the attention of Managing Director Site was drawn towards the plight, he informed about lack of funds.
He said that a PC-I was prepared for improving the infrastructure of Site in Sindh, which was cleared by the Planning & Development Department, Government of Sindh and was sent to Planning Commission Government of Pakistan for placing it before Central Development Working Party (CDWP) for approval. However, CDWP did not give the approval, therefore, funds were not released. President HCCI appealed Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan and Yousuf Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of Pakistan to look into this matter and get the PC-1 approved so that the infrastructure of SITE could be renovated.
He said that Hyderabad Chamber is working for the betterment of business and industrial sector of the region. Telecom and Information Technology Expo 2011 is going to be held soon at Expo Centre, Hyderabad. In addition, Motorcycle Expo and Mango Festival will also be held in the month of June 2011. He further said that Hyderabad trade delegation will participate in Mango Exhibition in Russia. One trade delegation from Hyderabad to China is also leaving soon, he added.
These arrangements would help in increasing exports from this region and add to foreign investment in industry in Hyderabad. Goharullah informed that Russia is interested to invest 250 million US $ dollars in power generation in Hyderabad. He said that Switzerland companies have also expressed their interest in the investment in this area. Japan is also willing to invest in providing latest technology to the industries in Hyderabad.
He also apprised that a dry port and air cargo service from Hyderabad Airport will also be started soon. Because of nearness to Karachi Airport, business in Hyderabad is gaining importance. Hyderabad is also an ideal place for agro based industries, he added.
Regarding shifting of fruit and vegetable market, HCCI President said that the reservations of fruit and vegetable market businessmen have been conveyed to the District Co-ordination Officer and Director General Agricultural Extension. He termed construction of double road on both sides of Akram Canal necessary as provision of basic facilities to the new fruit and vegetable market would help in development of this market.
Speaking on the issue of glass bangles industries, he said that this industry is facing problems relating to Social Security and Labour Departments.