April 11, 2002	Thursday	Muharram 27, 1423

ISLAMABAD, April 10: The government is likely to allow exporters to avail the facility of ‘no duty and no drawback’ on exports to Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics (CARs).

Official sources in the Central Board of Revenue said that a summary in this connection had been sent to the Ministry of Commerce for consideration.

Under the scheme, the exporters will import raw materials without the payment of taxes on it, which would be exclusively used in manufacturing of those goods for its subsequent exports.

The government had recently allowed zero rated exports to Afghanistan and CARs, except six items, on which exporters could not claim the duty drawback facility.

The officials said that as many exporters had opted for the duty and tax remission for export (DTRE) scheme, therefore, it was felt necessary that the same facility should also be allowed on exports to Afghanistan and CARs.

The Ministry of Commerce din not mention in its SRO137 issued on March 7, 2002 that the exporter could also opt for the DTRE scheme on export to Afghanistan.

The officials said that the decision was taken following the demands of some exporters for the scheme.

After getting approved from the ministry necessary amendment will be made in the SRO137 to allow the exporters to avail the facility of DTRE scheme on export to Afghanistan and CARs, the officials added.