Export sector's protection: trade bodies seek Nawaz's intervention

The representatives of major trade bodies including Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry have appealed to the Prime Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to intervene for protecting the export sector of the country.
Addressing a joint news conference on Saturday evening held at Surgical Instruments Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SIMAP) President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Fazal Jilani said the export industry of Sialkot is committed to fulfil vision and desire of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to double the exports in two years.
The adverse measures have put the exports to halt and under the circumstances drastic steps were direly needed to save the exports from sharp decline, he said. Fazal appealed to the Prime Minister for restoration of zero rated status for the five export industrial sector, withdrawal of 15 percent duty on stainless steel and restoration of imports of under SRO 492 (1)/ 2009.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Surgical Manufacturers and Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SIMAP) Tahir Ashfaq said the implementation of the proposed increase in Sales Tax from 2 percent to 5 percent will damage the exports adversely which will be a severe blow to the vision and desire of the prime minister.
The slapping of 5 percent sales tax on the exports of textile, surgical, carpet, sports and leather sector will have negative impact on the export of the country, he said.
Chairman Pakistan Ready Made Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association Ijaz A khokhar while expressing his viewpoint said some hidden hands were trying to sabotage the Prime Minister's vision and creating hurdles in the growth of export and industry. On the one hand, the government encouraging the export industry to boost up the foreign exchange earnings and on the other was trying to blocking not only the industrial growth but also trying to create unrest among the exports adding that business community which is backbone of the economy was already facing serious hardships due to non-availability of gas and electricity and high cost of raw materials.
Ijaz urged upon the government to announce concessions and incentives for the export industry for enhancing export volume and SME sector of the country. The news of proposed increase in sales tax from 2 percent to 5 percent had perturbed the exporter community and under the circumstance the government should refrain from implementing the increase in sales tax for the larger national interests, he said.
The representatives of trade bodies also demanded for the clearance of long standing duty drawback claims to facilitate the business community of the country.
Chairmen of Pakistan Gloves Manufacturing and Exporters Association of Pakistan, Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturing and Exporters Association (NZ), Pakistan Sports Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association and Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturing Association (NZ) also spoke on the occasion.