KARACHI, April 14: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has further simplified freight subsidy scheme to facilitate exports of non-traditional items, developmental sectors and to new markets.

A senior official of TDAP said that changes had been made in the scheme on the suggestions of trade bodies.

He said that freight subsidy had now been allowed on FOB export. However, the freight factor would be taken as 10 per cent of the FOB (free on board) value, he added.

In this regard, the exporters were needed to submit a verification of freight from Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association or the Air Cargo Agents Association.

He said that requirement of stamping of goods declaration form for under freight subsidy claim had been done away with.

The official said that time limit for filing subsidy claims had been extended from 30 days to 60 days of the shipment date and added that this relaxation would also be applicable to the claims already filed.

He pointed out that TDAP had invited suggestions last year from trade bodies especially those whose members were seeking freight subsidy.

He said a large number of non-traditional and developmental sectors export items avail freight subsidy from TDAP to boost their exports.

He said that Pakistani exports to African countries, East European nations and Central Asian Republics plus developmental sector exports to top 10 markets also get freight subsidy.

He said that freight subsidy scheme would start again after a gap of one year.—APP