LAHORE: Minister for Commerce and Industry Eng Khurram Dastgir Khan has said that refund cheques amounting to at least Rs 27.2 billion have been given to importers, and by the end of the current fiscal year, all the remaining refund amount will be transferred to the businessmen’s accounts.
He said this while inaugurating the three-day Pakistan Mega Leather Show 2015 at Expo Centre.
He said that the government has told the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to expedite the process of refunding/rebating amounts to importers and exporter.
“We will ensure that there was no outstanding refund of the businessmen towards the government, and by the end of the year, all refund and rebate amounts will be settled,” he said.
He said that a strong government system is the key to a strong economy for any country and region, and it is the need of the hour to work in this regard.
Despite the fact that the relationship between India and Pakistan remained strained, for one reason or the other, trade between the two countries continued through all the channels, including Wagha and Karachi, he said.
He said that better diplomatic ties always lead to better economic conditions. “We are working on this and hope that in the near future issues will be resolves and we will be doing business with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.”
He said that the government was doing its best to facilitate the business people in order to boost economic activities.
On the sidelines of the conference, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Chairman Kh Zarar Kaleem told Customs Today that the ministers and other responsible persons had pledged to reimburse funds to importers and exporter in public meetings many time, but it never happened.
“The government needs to understand the position of the businessmen and reimburse them their refunds and rebates to expand their business, which will not only result in economic growth and development but also provide employment opportunities to the masses.”
