The Regional President of International Apparel Federation (IAF) and Chief Coordinator Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) Ijaz A Khokhar on Sunday said that trade and commerce activities were adversely affected by the Covid-19.
Talking to Business Recorder on Sunday he said that it is our moral and national obligation that we should support government enabling it handle the Covid-19 issue efficiently and forge unity for the larger national interest. Ijaz said that exporters and manufacturers were confronting with multiple problems due to shortage of raw material in markets due to Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown in China which was posing serious threats to exports of the country.
At this critical juncture we were direly needed an economy stimulus plan coupled with relief package by the government to ensure the continuity of production, he said.
The Regional President IAF further stated that under the prevailing circumstances SMEs were direly needed government financial assistance adding that they need cash injection as quickly as possible. We suggest that government formulate a plan by taking all stakeholders on board for protecting export sector of the country which is under certain threats he said.
He said that there was a great need of long term and short term plans to cope with the current situation adding that government should focus on formulating sector wise and regional polices for boosting the exports of the country. The sector wise and regional polices would help the government not only in resolve the problems confronted by the exporters but also their needs.
The PRGMEA Chief Coordinator further added that government should announce special incentives and concessions for the export sector enabling it to continue business activities without any hurdle as well as avoiding close down their business. Ijaz said that government should take appropriate steps for clearance of Sale Tax, Income Tax refund as well as Duty Drawback claims to facilitate the business community of the country.