Get the latest news and updates from Dawn
KARACHI: Private sector importers have expressed concern over reports that the government is reviewing a proposal to import wheat through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) rather than allowing them to do so the job.
While strongly opposing any such move, Cereal Association of Pakistan (CAP) Chairman Muzzamil Chappal warned that state-led imports could lead to billions of rupees in losses and undermine the country’s wheat deregulation policy.
Urging the government to allow the private sector to import two million tonnes of wheat in the first phase and a further two million tonnes in the second phase without subsidies, he said that market-based imports are more efficient and do not place any burden on the national exchequer.
The government should refrain from intervening in the wheat market and uphold its decision, announced two years ago, to fully deregulate wheat imports, he said, adding that the private sector has already demonstrated its ability to ensure uninterrupted wheat supplies without government support.
