Pakistan launching Salt project worth $750m in Gwadar

Pakistan is launching the Sun Salt project worth $750 million in Gwadar, Balochistan.

All Pakistan Salt Association (APSA) informed this during a meeting with an advisor to Prime Minister on commerce Razak Dawood.

The association has requested the advisor to withdraw the sales tax the government had imposed in the current budget 2021-22.

President association said that they are launching a huge project in Gawadar for making Sun Salt for industrial usage. The project size is around 750 Million US $ and it will be completed in phases, the first phase will be completed in two-year times.

After the start of the first phase around 400-500 Million, US $ exports will increase from that project. Another senior member also shared his proposed project of Soda Ash in Khushab. He said that if that project is initiated successfully then a sizable number of locals will be employed and exports will also increase.

All Pakistan Salt Association (APSA) and senior officers of the Ministry of Commerce participated a meeting. The Advisor welcomed the association. In the deliberations, the president of the association thanked the Advisor for receiving them. He was grateful that the Ministry of Commerce is taking a keen interest in export enhancement and supporting every sector and product with potential exports.

During his presentation, the President Salt Association informed the house that though Pakistan has the second-largest reserve of Salts in the world the exports from Pakistan are ranked very low. He was also of the view that due to primitive methods of mining the wastage percentage is very high.

While discussing the role of the government, he shared the industry views that due to neglect the chemical industry related to salt could not grow. He believed that if the government provides patronage, then up to one billion dollars can be earned from the export of salt to the chemical industry all around the world.

The salt association collectively requested Advisor to PM that the government had imposed a Sales Tax in this budget on the Mined Salt at the excavation stage. As poor laborers are involved in the mining salt this measure will adversely affect the whole industry. They requested the Advisor to approach FBR for revision of the sales tax at the mining stage. Advisor to PM agreed t take up the case with relevant authorities.

The Association thanked the Advisor for receiving them and assured their full commitment for the enhancement of Exports from Pakistan.