Adverse effects of Covid-19 hindering export: PRGMEA

The Regional President of International Apparel Federation (IAF) and Chief Coordinator Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) Ijaz A Khokhar has said that the lifestyle and economic scenario has totally been changed due to Covid-19 globally and its impact on industrial sector is now visible in the country.
The adverse affects of Covid-19 are hindering export and commerce activities in the country, he said.
In an interview with Business Recorder on Wednesday he said under the prevailing circumstances we suggest that government should concentrate on formulating aggressive marketing plan and hurdle free polices for taking immediate decisions. The government should take stakeholders on board for formulation of policies for bringing big boom in exports of the country, he added.
Replying to question he said that adequate efforts should be made for exploring new markets both traditional and non-traditional markets for introducing homemade products. Ijaz suggested that Commerce Minister should visit different traditional and non-traditional markets to ascertain the demand of Pakistani products.
The Regional President of IAF further stated that government should announced "Question Free Investment" and tax holiday to meet the new product line and government should allow import of raw material and accessories duty free. This move will attract the investors and help in setting up new industries in the country which will create wide opportunities of gender employment.
He emphasis the needed of transfer of industrial technology (technical know how) from China and other countries aimed at bringing innovation, improving the products and production of new products. Answering a question he further said that at this critical juncture we direly need a stimulus economic plan coupled with relief package by the government to ensure that the production wheel is in full motion to filling the gap developed by Covid-19.
To another question he reiterated that revival of zero rated regime is the only remedy to exports of the country adding that it is high time that government should announce previous system "No Payment No Refund" to save export sector of the country.