Latest news with #FederalBAreaAssociationofTradeandIndustries
Business Recorder
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
FBATI lauds govt's decision to give power relief for industries
KARACHI: Industrialists in Karachi termed the government's decision to fix the electricity tariff at Rs 38 per unit as a business-friendly step for industries of different sizes and sectors in the commercial capital of the country. President Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industries (FBATI) Sheikh Muhammad Tehseen lauded the government's decision to give relief to industries, urging the government to continue its efforts to reduce the cost of production in a phased manner to make exports of different products competitive in the global markets. Industries urged the government to contain the electricity tariff through its policy measures by 8 cents mainly for the export-oriented sectors to enhance the likelihood of earning increasing foreign exchange for the country, he added. He said the government should continue to negotiate with IPPs to reduce the cost of electricity to industries and residential consumers while encouraging them to produce low-cost green energy through solar power plants on a long-term basis. Also, the government should pass on the benefits of lowering petroleum product prices to industries and masses to control inflation and cost of production in the country, he further said. It is pertinent to mention here that the government reduced the electricity unit prices for April by Rs 7 per unit after bringing in reforms in the power sector. Chairman Sub-Committee on Power and Former President FBATI Syed Raza Hussain said the relief to industries of Karachi would translate into the growth in exports of various products and services, hence, the government should continue to support for large-scale to medium, and small industries with every positive step. He mentioned that industries of Karachi deserve equal albeit preferential treatment because of its contribution to export growth, however, the pledged subsidy on account of incremental benefit is yet to be paid by the government. He expressed his optimism that decreasing tariffs for electricity coupled with a single digit policy rate will not only attract foreign and local investment in industries but it will also encourage industries to consume enhanced electricity, ultimately, which will benefit to all stakeholders equally, including power- producing companies and the government as a win-win situation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
23-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Severe water shortage triggers an alarm among manufacturers
KARACHI: A severe water shortage is gripping Karachi's key industrial areas, sparking alarm among manufacturers as production slows and the country's export capacity faces potential disruption. Industries in major areas, including the Federal B Area industrial area are reporting a drastic drop in water availability both through the sub-soil system and commercial water tankers. The concerned department disconnected sub-soil connections whereas the restricted day timings for the movement of water tankers reduced the supply of water to industrial units substantially. 'The shortage is not just inconvenient it's crippling,' said President Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industries (FBATI) Shaikh Muhammad Tesheen. 'Industries cannot function properly without a stable water supply. If this situation continues, it will directly impact production timelines, delay international shipments, and put Pakistan's export reliability at risk.' Industries involved in textiles, leather, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and other high-water-consumption sectors are already reporting scaled-down operations. Export orders worth millions of dollars are potentially on the line, jeopardizing foreign exchange earnings at a critical time for Pakistan's economy. 'Water is the backbone of our industrial production. We strongly urge the provincial and federal governments to address this crisis without delay,' added the FBATI President. 'This is not just an industrial issue — it is a national economic concern.' The Federal B Areas Associations of Trade & Industry (FBATI) has raised serious concerns over the declining water supply, urging immediate government intervention to avert a full-blown industrial crisis. Over 70 percent of industries in Federal B areas are exporters directly and indirectly, Tehseen further said. He warns that continued neglect of this issue could have far-reaching consequences, not only for industrial performance but also for employment and investor confidence. President FBATI has recommended short-term emergency measures, including prioritized water supply to industrial zones and regulatory action to monitor and improve tanker operations. In the longer term, the association advocates for investments in sustainable industrial water infrastructure, including recycling and desalination projects. He appealed to CM Murad Ali Shah and Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab to resolve the issues of industries in Karachi immediately. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
