COVID-19

• Rapid spread of Corona virus disease, increased demand of Medical/Health Devices and PPEs, globally and their production and trade was also affected due to lockdown/ shutdown of industrial activities. Facing similar situation in Pakistan also, GoP allowed import and supply of PPEs and Medical/Health Devices without duties and taxes. EDB, considering opportunity, and following “Make-In-PAKISTAN” vision of the PM coordinated/facilitated several companies for developing Ventilator, Protective kits, PPEs, etc.
• In April, 2020 a meeting was also conducted with Minister (I&P) for relief for manufacturing
  of PPEs and exemption from all types of duties and taxes on import of all types of input materials & Machinery, equipment & other items for setting up a Green Field project for production of PPEs along with exemption from ST and IT on supply of these items.
• A Policy framework was consulted with the concerned stakeholders on 11.05.2020 which meeting was also attended by officials from PEC, PAAPAM & related industry.

 

With the coordination of EDB:

• Local manufacturing of PPEs was started in the country.
• Regular supply / demand position of oxygen gas is reported to the Ministry of Industries & Production/ NCOC;
• Database of local manufacturers, their capacities and locations is being prepared;
• Local manufacturers are ensuring availability of oxygen.
• Duties and taxes were withdrawn on import of oxygen gas, oxygen cylinders, cryogenic tanks, PPEs, etc vide SRO 593(I)/2020 dated July 1, 2020 and SRO 649(l)/2020 dated August 3, 2020;
• Local industry was facilitated for export of PPEs and other regular products.
•  Revival of closed down oxygen plants is initiated;
•  Uninterrupted supply of power to oxygen manufacturers is approved by ECC and ensured with concerned Ministry power load enhancement;
• Installation and Commissioning of new oxygen plant is facilitated to increase the production of oxygen;
• 24 hour road access to cryogenic vehicles in cities to ensure availability of oxygen in hospitals is being ensured;
• Export of PPEs where surplus capacity is facilitated.
•  Supported reduction in energy prices by reducing the per unit cost to Rs. 8/unit. (sheet attached).