KARACHI (February 27 2004): Pakistan Tea Association has expressed great shock and surprise on the inclusion of black tea in the list goods covered by Afghan Transit Trade agreement.

Saeed Ahmed Khwaja, Chair-man Pakistan Tea Association said in a statement that this decision of the government would not only give a spurt to smuggling but also will greatly affect legal import business and cause colossal loss of revenue to the exchequer.

He urged the government to take immediate steps to do away with 20 percent import duty to counter the effect of this new order, otherwise besides colossal loss of revenue to the government it will force thousands of businessmen out of work and increase unemployment.-PR.

Courtesy Business Recorder