ECC Approves Sale Of Urea At Rs.1310 Per Bag, Duty Exemption On Salter Scales

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th August, 2016) : The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) Thursday approved the sale of imported urea available at the National Fertilizer Marketing Limited (NFML) at Rs.1310 per 50 kg bag. The meeting of the ECC was chaired by Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here at the Prime Minister's Secretariat. The committee also approved the proposal forwarded by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and coordination for exemption from customs duty and sales tax on import of Salter scales for Lady Health Workers Program.

The committee was apprised that the UNICEF has provided $1.3 million available under the Gavi HSS-I fund which will be utilized to purchase approximately 38000 Scales and other equipment to be provided across the country to help children affected by stunting.

It was also informed that stunting can be addressed with growth monitoring and nutritional advice during the first three years age of a child. ECC also granted exemption from tax and duties for import of machinery and equipment/ construction materials to National Highway Authority (NHA) for infrastructure projects under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). As a step towards cleaner environment and better engine hygiene, ECC allowed the introduction of 92 Research Octane Number (RON) premium motor gasoline (petrol) in Pakistan.

Currently the country is using 87 RON premium which is almost abandoned by the world. The new arrangement will be effective from the next cycle of PSO tender in this year. The new cleaner and efficient fuel will have lower emissions. OGRA will monitor the price as was the case in RON 87 PMG.