KARACHI: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi assured the delegation of Pakistan Apparel Forum led by its Chairman, Muhammad Jawed Bilwani to facilitate the apparel export sector to enhance exports and more employment generation and industrialization.

The prime minister lauded the presentation given by Jawed Bilwani wherein role of apparel export sector was highlighted and pragmatic proposals to enhance exports were suggested.

The prime minister has assured that separate tariff for textile export sector would be announced soon at par with the tariff of regional competing countries and assured the commitment of the government to undertake all possible measures aimed at creating an enabling environment for the apparel export sector to grow and making competitive headway globally.

He has also approved funds for establishment of CETPs in Karachi on the recommendations of Dr Miftah Ismail, Advisor to PM on Finance. Besides, Principal Secretary to PM was also present in the meeting.

A delegation of Pakistan Apparel Forum called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at Prime Minister’s Office, Islamabad on Wednesday. Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Chairman, Pakistan Apparel Forum led the delegation accompanied with Saleem Pakekh, Chief Coordinator, Pakistan Apparel Forum and Central Chairman, All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association, Dr Khurram Anwar Khawaja, Central Chairman, Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Shaikh Shafiq, Central Chairman, Pakistan Readymade Garment Manufacturers and Exporter Association, Kamran Chandna, Chairman, Pakistan Knitwear and Sweater Exporters Association, Mian Naeem Ahmed, Chairman, Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association, Khawaja Mohammad Usman, Former Chairman, Pakistan Cotton Fashion Apparels Manufacturers & Exporters Association.

Jawed Bilwani and members of the delegation lauded the efforts of the present government towards successfully overcoming the energy crisis in the country and profoundly appreciate the government’s efforts to enhance commerce and boost exports.

The prime minister was apprised about the issues and difficulties faced by the apparel export sector which is the backbone and engine of textile sector and the largest sub-sector of textile export sector with US $4.67 billion exporters per annum (23% of total exports, i.e, US $20.44 billion and 38% of total textile export, i.e. US $12.45 billion), largest contributor to earn precious foreign exchange and largest employment provider.

Proposals were given in the meeting to uplift exports; earn more foreign exchange & generation of employment. The delegation demanded to the  Government to reduce the highest cost of manufacturing at par with regional competing countries and introduce separate tariff/heads of accounts for textile industry; Five zero rated export sectors should be regulated under Act instead of current SRO System; Immediate disbursement of exporters’ refunds – Sales Tax, DLTL, Customs Rebate, Withholding Tax Claims etc; all Custom rebate claims and refund of packing material are settled and paid through State Bank of Pakistan at the time of realization and payment of export proceeds. Other issues faced by the value-added apparel sector was also highlighted.

The Apparel Export Sector pledged to the Prime Minister against the anticipated support from your government that a 15% increase in exports every year which means a surplus of trade, more foreign exchange and generation of employment including females workers.—PR