Govt to keep EFS, curb misuse

Pakistan will retain its Export Facilitation Scheme while introducing measures to prevent abuse, Mettis Global reported on October 20, citing a statement in the National Assembly by Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani. The scheme allows exporters to bring in materials and other production inputs without import duties when these are used to make goods for export.

Kayani said a government review found past instances of misuse, prompting corrective steps, but argued that this did not justify ending the scheme or reducing its covered items further. He said consultations with textile mills, loom operators, garment makers and other exporters are under way to develop safeguards, while keeping inputs accessible at reasonable prices and balancing export support with local industry protection.