Import tax hike urged to promote local products

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Taxes and customs duties should be increased on imports to promote local products, the Nangarhar commerce and industry director has suggested.

In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, Sher Alam touted unique opportunities for investors and industrialists in the eastern province.

“We should enhance custom duties on imported commodities. I have discussed it with high officials,” the director said, asking the people to use local products.

On Thursday, Alam spoke on the same theme during a conference on promoting domestic products and handicrafts, organised by civil society in Jalalabad — the provincial capital..

Abdul Basir Sabawoon, an NGO representative, stressed civil society efforts to increase awareness among the people regarding the use of local products.

“The government should try to provide security to investors and ensure Nangarhar-based businessmen’s access to markets,” Sabawoon urged the central government.

Ahmed Zia Abdulzai, the governor’s spokesman, said: “We have Hesar Shahi and Sheikh Misri industrial zones, where hundreds of industrial units have been set up.

However, he cited lack of power supply as a major irritant that had been discussed with higher-ups. “We have regular monthly meetings with investors to address their problems and have issued them with arms licences.”

dai/mud

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