PCA seeks drastic cut in IT products

STAFF REPORT ISLAMABAD: As the IT sector in Pakistan is still nascent and needs to be patronised for a reasonable time period, the government should introduce drastic reforms and curtail the tax rates on computer hardware equipments and accessories.“The government should waive GST on computer screens coupled with FED and import duties on different equipments, the Pakistan Computers Association (PCA) said in its budget proposals.It said that the taxes and duties for this important sector of

economy must be rationalised and the government should announce computer and IT friendly policies in the budget.The import of used IT equipment has played a vital role in the nation’s development. The imported used and low cost computers are used by IT educational institutions, middle class and lower middle class students and families. Likewise, hospitals, clinics, departmental stores and all types of small and medium size business enterprises, even all types of schools, even seminaries depend on used computers due to affordability for the middle and lower middle class.According to a conservative estimate, Pakistan can save a huge foreign exchange by encouraging used computers and IT equipment as used computer cost on an average is less than $40 as compared to the cost of new ranges from $300 to $600.

http://www.technologytimes.pk/2011/06/04/pca-seeks-drastic-cut-in-it-products/