Textile sector irked by delay in refunds

Business rep says mere lip service is not enough

KARACHI: Pakistan Apparel Forum Chairman Muhammad Jawed Bilwani has said that the government’s assurance to release all pending refunds and rebates by February 15, 2018 again proved just an eyewash as exporters’ refund worth billions of rupees are yet to be released.

He said that exports cannot be increased with mere lip service, but practical steps and measures by the government to facilitate exporters. “The government must fulfil its promises and immediately release pending sales tax refunds, customs rebates and DDT claims. “

Bilwani highlighted that approximately Rs200 billion are held up by the government in pending sales tax refund claims, customs rebate claims, DLTL and DDT claims, and income tax refunds.

According to a release, the government should pass immediate orders to instantly release payment of refund claims. Otherwise, the government’s hard efforts to increase exports will go in vain as inordinate delays in textile exporters’ refunds have severely hampered the pace of industrial growth and export efficiency, added the statement.

He said that to overcome the challenges, provide an enabling business environment in the country and create level playing field for textile exporters, it is crucial that the government take practical steps and measures to facilitate the textile export industry.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2018.

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