Min of Commerce assures revision of taxes on leather sector

29 Jul '09

2 min read

During a meeting with the members of Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA), the Federal Secretary of Commerce, Mr. Suleman Ghani, gave an approval for the revision of the duties and taxes, though he said that, it would be done in the month of September, this year.

Mr. Ghani asked the association to submit a complete proposal by preparing a working paper. He said the government has also allocated Rs. 40 billion for Export Investment Support and that the hedge-funding concept is under consideration, which would prove to be an export-friendly refinance scheme.

He again asked PTA to point out areas of priority interventions. The government would allocate the relief package for the leather industry as well as funds for its enlistment. Also he agreed to provide financial subsidy to set up effluent treatment plants in individual tanneries, as per PTA's demand.

The Secretary further agreed to the demand of importing second hand machinery. For developing the landfill sites in tannery areas, the government would coordinate with provincial and local government assistance and to establish modern Slaughter Houses in the various parts of country, the government might announce subsidy, he added.

Export of the live animals would be discouraged till the time the government comes to the conclusion that the country has excess of livestock and is enough to meet production needs at remunerative prices.

The PTA has also demanded reduction in customs duty on various inputs of tanning chemicals, buffing papers, foils etc. has been made by the PTA.

Mr. Ghani approved the rehabilitation of NILT instead of establishing new institute at Lahore. PTA Chairman demanded that investment grant of Rs 7.5 million to balance, modernize and also for capacity building of existing tanning units should be allowed as has been done in India.

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