The
sugar industry's dilemma is low level of capacity utilization which
does not offer any scope for economies of scale. The industry operates
without definite policy framework. However, persistent increase in
sugarcane support price can be termed the root cause for the current
malady. While there is a need to increase production of sugarcane, it
is also evident that some of the units are not economically viable. A
option to explore is liquidation of these units. Such decisions are
difficult and need political will. Creation of CIRC has paved the way
and the ultimate decision should not be delayed.
D-8
SUMMIT
D-8
Summit, held recently in Cairo, has paved the way for an effective
economic bloc of the member states. There was no formal announcement
regarding formation of an economic bloc, yet the important decisions
taken by the summit seem to culminate into formation of an economic
bloc of the member countries. Issuance of visa within 48 hours,
formation of a Trade Promotion Company (TPC) and holding trade
exhibitions may produce positive results. The Islamic Development Bank
(IDB) has agreed to provide long term financing on soft term basis on
project to project basis.
SOFTWARE
MARKET
Expanding
the base of domestic market is one of the major prerequisite to
sustain the small volume of software exports but is imperative for the
very survival of the local software industry. Without a sizeable
domestic market Pakistan can hardly expect to become major software
exporter. It is also a must for absorbing 90,000 IT
professionals produced in the country every year of which a negligible
6,000 manage to get a gainful employment.
