Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA)’s newly elected Central Chairman Mubashar Naseer Butt has demanded the government that duty-free fabric imports, in addition to Duty and Tax Remission for Exports (DTRE) Scheme, should be allowed to all the exporters across the board.

Addressing the PRGMEA’s Annual General Meeting, he assured the government that after the duty-free import of fabric, textile exports would increase significantly within three years and the proceed from taxes would also increase accordingly.

Mubashar Butt vowed to continue his efforts for the promotion and protection of the value-added textile industry. He said his top priority would be an early clearance of outstanding refund cases, resolution of tax-related issues, and a favourable environment for the promotion of the garment industry in Pakistan, especially in Punjab.

He urged PRGMEA members to come forward and contribute to making recommendations to the government for arresting economic recession and increasing textile export by absolute means.

Mubashar Butt vowed to take the association to new heights. He thanked the members for reposing confidence in him to lead the PRGMEA for the second time. He was also elected the central chairman in 2018-19.

He paid tribute to the outgoing central chairman Shaikh Shafiq Jhok Wala, senior vice chairman Sheikh Luqman Amin and vice chairman Muhammad Yaseen.

The newly elected PRGMEA’s Vice Chairman, Waseem Akhtar Khan also appreciated the outgoing body, which actively promoted the interests of the value-added textile industry in 2021-22. He said that the high cost of doing business, issues of market access and exchange rate were hindering Pakistan’s export growth and the government would have to work on it in consultation with all the stakeholders to resolve the problems.

The outgoing chairman and senior vice chairman highlighted the achievements made during 2021-22 and expressed the hope that the new team headed by Mubashar Naseer Butt would continue the excellent work in the best interest of the value-added textile sector.

Amir Lakhani was also elected the Senior Vice Chairman of PRGMEA for the year 2022-23.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk