KARACHI, July 24: The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (Prgmea) has suggested that a timeframe should be fixed for implementation of progressive and revolutionary measures announced in the Trade Policy 2004-05.

Describing the policy as bold, visionary and continuation of earlier policies, Prgmea chairman Tahir Aziz said on Saturday that a number of export-oriented measures announced in the last trade policy remained unimplemented which were again included in the new trade document.

He said that the value-added textile sector should be exempted from sales tax like cotton to save them from the hassle of obtaining refund. "What is the point in incurring cost on collection of Rs100 billion as sales tax and return Rs99 billion through refund," he questioned.

Mr Aziz appreciated a special package for the knit and woven garment sector, which would be main focus of competition in the quota-free era and said that garment exporters needed special government assistance regarding cost of utilities. "Unless the cost of business is reduced the exporters will not be able to compete and avail of the tremendous export opportunities coming in the wake of quota-free period."

He lauded the scheme to acquire or seek franchise of famous world brands by garment exporters with the EPB assistance and said that at present garment exporters and manufacturers produced several world renowned brands but only received the labour charges. "They will get a better price if the scheme is successfully implemented."

"The EPB financial support in bearing freight cost of plants and machinery brought to Pakistan under relocation of industries is an excellent scheme because availability of raw material (cotton) along with cheap labour are added advantages for the country," the Prgmea chairman said.

"The display of exporters products at world leading shopping malls and display centres with the financial assistance provided by the EPB is another revolutionary measure announced in the new Trade Policy. This will have far reaching effect on boosting marketing of Pakistani products."