Exporters reject blame for structural failures

Karachi: The All Pakistan Exporters Associations Forum rejected accusations that exporters have faltered despite decades of government assistance, stating that the root cause of the export problem is high production costs and weak competitiveness rather than product quality. Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, the forum's chief coordinator, called for stable long-term industrial and trade policies, urging the government to address cost issues and ensure a level playing field.

Bilwani emphasized that exporters cannot be held accountable for structural weaknesses beyond their control, such as high manufacturing expenses, taxation, policy instability, and delayed refunds. He stressed that exporters are working tirelessly, including on weekends, to boost exports and fully supported the Prime Minister's push for greater exports, improved quality, and sustainable growth.

However, Bilwani rejected the notion that export incentives are subsidies, emphasizing that exporters are committed to increasing exports but require conditions that would enable them to compete with countries offering lower energy costs, financing, infrastructure, and trade-support systems. The chief coordinator highlighted the significant challenges exporters face, including narrow profit margins and higher taxes compared to other businesses.

He also criticized the FBR for arbitrary deductions from exporters' bank accounts, delayed sales tax refunds, and detention, demurrage, and storage charges due to transport strikes. Bilwani urged the government to establish a reliable, uninterrupted, and internationally competitive export logistics system and proposed setting up an Emergency Cell at the Prime Minister's Office to handle sudden disruptions.