Trade policy implementation: Dastgir assures complete support to exporters

Rebate issue to be resolved on priority basis, says commerce minister

KARACHI: Trade policy framework will be announced soon and the government will also implement it in its true spirit, said Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan on Thursday.

Khan said that he admits that trade policies were not fully implemented by the previous governments but the current government has decided to provide its benefits directly to exporters and industrialists.

“The government is trying to focus on value addition and standardisation to enhance Pakistan’s access to the international markets,” he said while speaking at Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI).

He also said that the prime minister’s special package for exporters will be announced shortly.

Commenting on the major issue of sales tax refunds, Khan reiterated that tax refunds issue of exporters will be resolved on a priority basis.

He also assured that ongoing operation in Karachi will continue without any compromise. “Now Karachi is dreaming for a better future and ideas such as Vision-2025 are being discussed. We are ready to support any project to resolve infrastructural problems of industries. “

The minister told the gathering that Karachi-Lahore motorway project will be completed before June 2018 and that this will contribute immensely to cut down transport issues faced by industries and business community.

He said, “PM has put all the concerned departments and institutions to focus singularly on boosting exports. The Premier presides high level meetings himself and consults with business community for policy making.”

KATI Patron-in-chief S M Muneer said, “Rs200 billion refunds have not been released by the government machinery. In this situation, no one can expect any major increase in exports and business activity”.

KATI President Zahid Saeed urged the government to centralise the taxation system. He said that currently more than 30 institutions audit businesses, which is a great hassle for the business community of the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2015.

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