LAHORE: Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce, Textile, Industries, Production and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood said on Saturday that he was hopeful that FBR would start refunds from November.
He was addressing at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). He said the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman had promised to start refunding from November.
He said, “We have to bring in export culture and export driven growth strategy”.
He said almost 4 million youngsters come into job market every year and they could only be accommodated if manufacturing starts in the country.
“We want to get back $ 25 billion exports by coming June”, he added.
The Advisor said he had five meetings with Chinese Ambassador and they were aware of the trade gap between both the countries.
He said Chinese were considering points raised during the meeting and said that they would reply when Prime Minister Imran Khan would visit China.
He further said that he was going to Japan in December with an objective that they open market and give duty free access to Pakistan.
He also emphasized to bring in quality culture as it would definitely help in enhancing exports.
He further said, “We are lacking in engineering goods exports like that of refrigerators, motorbikes, washing machines and etc.
Abdul Razak Dawood said the government needed some time and “We must show patience as with the grace of Allah Almighty things are moving towards right direction now.”
He further said work on National Tariff policy (NTP) was also underway.
Responding to a query, he said that all free-trade agreements (FTAs) would be reviewed and no new FTA would take place.
To another question, he said, “We want China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to move towards industrialization”.
He said that Duty and Tax Remission Scheme (DTRE) was good and would try to make it softer.
Earlier, LCCI president Almas Hyder warmly welcomed Abdul Razak Dawood and said, “We want to industrialize Pakistan and industrialization needs long term planning”.
He also highlighted the importance of value addition of different products.
Later, souvenir was presented to Abdul Razak Dawood.