ISLAMABAD: Textile exporters on Tuesday showed concerns over less allocation of funds for duty drawback claims to exporters under prime minister’s export package.

The reservation was raised during the sixth meeting of the Federal Textile Board led by its Chairman Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan.

An official statement issued after the meeting said a senior officer of the Finance Division assured that funds will be released for duty drawback from allocations under federal budgets as well as supplementary grants based upon the claims submitted in the State Bank of Pakistan.

The industry representative also requested to resolve the disparity issue of energy cost between north and south, and demanded separate industrial feeders. It was also requested to resolve the issue of pending refund claims.

During the meeting, misuse of DTRE scheme, smuggling and issue of worn clothing were also raised.

Mr Dastgir assured that measures will be taken in consultation with the industry. He informed the meeting that a free trade agreement (FTA) with Turkey is at developed stage, whereas pacts with Iran and Indonesia are also under consideration. It was agreed to prepare proposals for market and brand focused exports.

He claimed that an increasing trend in exports is observed after the announcement of prime minister’s package and hoped for further increase in coming days.

During the meeting, federal budget 2017-18 and allocations made there under for various schemes of textile sector were discussed.

The meeting was attended by representatives of ministries of commerce, national food security, industries and production and finance division. Aptma, APTPMA, TMA, PHMA, PRGMEA, PTEA, APBUMA and other associations also attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2017