CCP starts enquiry against possible collusion in poultry sector
ISLAMABAD(Staff Reporter): The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has initiated enquiry into possible collusion between various market players to set prices in the poultry sector. CCP initiated the enquiry under its suo motu powers after strong indications of organized communication between poultry sector players relating to poultry prices came to light. In this regard, a team of authorised officers of CCP recently inspected premises in Lahore that was in use of a poultry association and impounded material evidence. The enquiry committee tasked with the investigation will examine all the evidence and present its findings in form a report. It would be pertinent to mention that CCP has previously also investigated and penalized collusive behaviour in the poultry sector. In 2010, CCP fined Pakistan Poultry Association Rs 50 million for cartelization in several poultry markets. In 2016, CCP again fined Pakistan Poultry Association Rs 100 million for fixing prices.
CCP remains particularly vigilant against collusive activities which is the most egregious form of anti-competitive behaviour. Collusive activities are prohibited under Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010.
PIAF for uniform gas rates across country
LAHORE (Staff Reporter): Pakistan Industrial & Traders Associations Front (PIAF) has appreciated the government’s plan to reduce electricity tariff, urging the authorities to also provide gas at uniform rate across Pakistan to ensure affordable cost of doing business in the country. PIAF chairman Irfan Iqbal Sheikh welcomed the commitment of the newly-appointed Adviser to PM for Finance, Dr Miftah Ismail to cut power tariffs, stating that the govt’s move will lower the cost of doing business. During a meeting with a delegation of industrialists, Chairman PIAF Irfan Iqbal sheikh along with senior vice chairman Tanveer Ahmed Sufi and vice chairman Kh. Shahzeb Akram, argued that the high cost of doing business is hindering Pakistan in achieving its export target. He also demanded for a uniform gas tariff, since Punjab faces a higher rate than the one in Sindh. PIAF Chairman expressed the hope that the government will keep an active vigilance on early completion of all energy projects in time and there will be 100% uninterrupted supply of gas and power to industries as early as possible.
He lamented that the previous government did not facilitate the maintenance of old power plants which caused several system constraints inflicting heavy losses.
European investors keen to enhance collaboration with PFC
LAHORE (INP): The German and other European investors are showing keen interest in Pakistan’s handmade traditional furniture and are keen to further enhance collaboration with the Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) to promote furniture business in Europe. This was stated by Chief Executive Officer PFC Mian Kashif Ashfaq on Thursday while talking to the German and other European furniture producers at 3-day international trade fair Heimtextil 2018 at Frankfurt (Germany), that concluded Thursday. According to a message received here, he informed the foreign investors that there was a significant potential for promoting Pak-made world class furniture and further strengthening of investment relations with the European countries. He said that there was a plenty of opportunities to increase furniture export volume to the European markets due to its an upward trend, as the demand for furniture and wooden products were on the rise in European markets along with the domestic consumers.
He said despite GSP Plus status since 2014, Pakistan has been unable to improve its penetration into the European market while other competitors increased their share in EU trade.