CPTA expects duty cut on imported papers during Thai PM’s visit
Financial Express, India
CPTA expects duty cut on imported papers during Thai PM’s visit
ECONOMY BUREAU
26 June 26 2007
KOLKATA, JUN 25 : The Calcutta Paper Traders’ Association (CPTA) is expecting lowering of duties on writing, printing, packing and wrapping papers imported from Thailand as Thai Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont is scheduled to visit India soon.
The basic customs duty on paper is at present 10%, and India is negotiating free trade agreements (FTA) with countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, Chile, China, South Korea, the US, the EU and the Gulf countries, the low-cost paper or pulp producers.
‘‘We are expecting a cut in India’s FTAs with Thailand,’’ said Sushanta Dhar, president of the CPTA.
Manufacturers are not in favour of any duty cut, as they believe reduction in the duty structure would spell havoc for the paper industry. They are already facing difficulties in terms of availability of raw material and technology upgradation.
The total domestic demand for paper is 7.2 mt, while production stands at 6.7 mt.
