KARACHI: Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Wednesday demanded the central bank to reduce policy rate to 4 percent instead easing in bits and pieces.
KCCI President Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan in a statement urged the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to bring down the policy rate from 9.0 percent to 4.0 percent in view of the extra-ordinary circumstances and a global scale economic crisis, which is certain to have a long term negative impact on Pakistan’s economy.
In a letter sent to Governor SBP Dr. Reza Baqir, President KCCI stressed that reduction in policy rate in bits and pieces is not enough to provide the much needed stimulus to the economy hence, it is necessary to significantly reduce the interest rate in a single step, to help the businesses sail through the unprecedented crisis.
He was of the opinion that there is now ample justification for reduction in policy rate because the inflation rate has declined sharply due to a steep fall in prices of crude oil, commodities and raw materials, while the demand has also been suppressed.
President KCCI appreciated the measures taken by SBP to support the industry and exporters to meet the challenges and financial crunch faced by them due to prolonged lockdowns to prevent the spread of Covid-19 coronavirus.
While acknowledging the interest rates of 4 percent and 5 percent for filers and non-filers respectively in the package, he suggested that in view of the special circumstances, the rate of interest should be zero to support the economy and sustain the industries at least for the next one year.
He however stressed that there is a dire need to announce a Rescue Package for Micro level Enterprises and SMEs which contribute around 40 percent to GDP.
He pointed out that unfortunately, no relief has so far been announced for Micro enterprises and SMEs, which are under much greater financial stress then the large scale businesses and their survival is at stake.
