January 9, 2002	Wednesday	Shawwal 24, 1422

ISLAMABAD, Jan 8 : The government is considering a proposal of allowing payment of duty drawback to exporters through scheduled banks.

A senior official requesting not to be named told Dawn, that steps in this direction had already been taken, and the matter would be finalized shortly.

The decision was taken to expedite the process of duty drawback payment to exporters.

The official said that the scheme would be put into operation on an experimental basis as a pilot project from one of the customs collectorates.

If the system worked properly, the official said, it would then be extended to other customs export stations across the country.

The official felt that this could help resolve the delay that exporters face in getting payments of duty drawback.

The new system would mean no scrutiny before payment by the custom’s appraiser, the official said. However, he pointed out, there would be post export audit.

On the other hand, the foreign exchange receipts submitted by exporters would now be verified by the bank authorities.