Exports cannot be increased with mere lip-service: Bilwani

KARACHI: “The government’s assurance to release all pending refunds and rebates by February 15th, 2018 again turned as an eyewash as exporters’ refund worth billions of rupees still yet to be released.

Exports cannot be increased with mere lip-service but actually requires practical steps and measures by the government to facilitate exporters. The government must fulfil its promises and immediately release of refunds of pending sales tax refunds, customs rebates and DDT Claims. This was stated by Chairman, Pakistan Apparel Forum, Muhammad Jawed Bilwani.

Bilwani highlighted that approximately Rs 200 billion of the exporters are held up by the government in pending sales tax refund claims, customs rebate claims, DLTL & DDT claims, income tax refunds.

The government instead of giving statements of hope should pass immediate orders to instantly release payment of refund claims so that exporters could be relieved in these most difficult times when they are facing the severest ever liquidity crunch otherwise government’s hard efforts to increase exports will go in vain as inordinate delays in textile exports refunds have severely hampered the pace of industrial growth and export efficiency. He articulated that textile export sector is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy earns major amount of foreign exchange and revenue for the Government. Besides, the sector is also labour-intensive and largest employment provider and generator, especially for women workers.– PR