Value-added textiles: Apparel forum wants zero-rated status back
The programme will also help establish an effective coordination mechanism between textile industries and related workers’ organisations. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGE
The government should look into reasons behind the decline in exports of the value-added textile sector despite duty-free access granted under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) Plus, said Pakistan Apparel Forum Chairman M Javed Bilwani.
He reiterated the demand of reviving the zero rate status that is “No Payment No Refund Regime” for the five export-oriented sectors by restoring SRO 1125(I)/2011 to its original status.
Bilwani said that the government must release all pending sales tax refunds and custom rebates as huge amounts of the exporter’s liquidity is held up, which is resulting in liquidity shortages and cash flow problems.
He said that the value-added export sector, which is the backbone of the economy with great potential for earning foreign exchange, constitutes 54% of nation’s exports and generating 42% urban employment, is heading for imminent disaster.
He also demanded the withdrawal of Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC).
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2015.