ISLAMABAD, July 7: The government implemented 15 out of its 32 major policy initiatives during the fiscal year 2003-04 announced in the trade policy for enhancing exports.

On the other hand, all the initiatives announced for facilitating imports were, however, implemented completely through a single notification following the announcement of the trade policy 2003-04, well-placed sources told Dawn on Wednesday.

The sources said that the initiatives, which were not implemented during the year under review, would now be made part of the up-coming trade policy for 2004-05.

Elaborating further, the sources said that the schemes announced in the trade policy, which were not implemented during the year 2003-04, mostly included: technology upgradation and marketing enterprise level; retail sales-promoting "Pakistan Product"; construction/engineering services sectors; upgradation fund; contamination-free cotton; services sector; skills development council; reorganization of the Export Promotion Bureau; quality management; cost of utilities; inter-ministerial committee; hall marking; compliance machinery and equipment; civil awards; and special export zones.

The sources said that lands had been identified for the establishment of garment and textiles cities. The government will provide assistance for the establishment of these cities.

According to the sources, the schemes, which were implemented or near its completions for the enhancement of exports, included: enterprise capacity-building scheme; joint ventures; industrial clusters; relocation of industries; establishment of expo centre at Lahore; promotional expenses; EPB office at Gwadar; and establishment of Ghulam Khan check-post at customs station.

The EPB has also announced schemes for country business image building and brand name acquisition/franchising.

The government will get funding from the Asian Development Bank for setting up effluent treatment plants, reducing withholding tax rate to 0.75 pre cent on branded rice up to 50kg instead of 5kg, allowing 25 per cent freight subsidy on export of new products to new markets, increasing the limit of exporters on account of advertisement/ commission from 5 per cent to 10 per cent of export earning, allowing export of ghee in 16kg packs and announcing special schemes of long-term finance for export-oriented industries.

For the export enhancement of agriculture products and fisheries, around all the schemes were either implemented or funds were allocated for its establishment.