FAISALABAD: Imran Mehmood, Central Chairman of the All Pakistan Bedsheets & Upholstery Manufacturers Association (APBUMA), has warmly welcomed the federal government’s decision to abolish the 0.25 percent Export Development Surcharge (EDS).
He termed this move a “timely, business-friendly, and growth-oriented initiative” that will lessen burden on financially starved SME sector and significantly strengthen Pakistan’s export competitiveness at the global level. In a statement issued on Thursday, Mehmood said that APBUMA is the largest elected trade body of SMEs striving to protect their legitimate interests at all levels. He praised the government for acknowledging the concerns of the export-oriented industry and taking bold steps to reduce the cost of doing business. He said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to promoting industrialization, enhancing foreign exchange earnings, and providing much-needed relief to the value-added textile sector.
“Eliminating the 0.25 percent surcharge is a highly welcome development. It will improve exporters’ liquidity, lower production costs, and boost our ability to compete in international markets,” he said and added that this initiative will directly support Pakistan’s struggling economy by encouraging higher exports and job creation. The APBUMA chairman added that Pakistan’s value-added home textile sector — including bedsheets, upholstery, and made-ups — has consistently contributed a significant share to national exports despite challenges such as high utility tariffs, rising input costs, and global demand fluctuations. Removing the surcharge, he noted, will further motivate exporters to expand operations and explore new markets.
He urged the government to continue facilitating exporters by ensuring regionally competitive energy tariffs, simplifying tax refund procedures, and introducing long-term sectoral policies to promote sustainable growth. Mehmood expressed hope that the latest decision would mark the beginning of a broader reform agenda aimed at revitalizing Pakistan’s export sector and improving the country’s overall economic outlook with a focus on the SME sector.
“We appreciate the government’s responsiveness and look forward to further collaborative and pro export measures to strengthen Pakistan’s industrial and export base,” he concluded.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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