Leather exporters’ refunds may be released soon

LAHORE: Leather exports may see a revival, as exporters’ long outstanding refunds are likely to be released soon, a statement said on Monday.

“All of your refund claims will be cleared on priority basis, as well as at the earliest,” Customs Collector Zulfiqar Younas told members of Pakistan Tanners Association North Zone in a meeting.

“We are alive to the fact these long hold-ups have and are dealing serious blows to the industry,” the collector admitted.  During the meeting, Pakistan Customs and Pakistan Tanners Association also reached an understanding to evolve a comprehensive mechanism for the early release of leather exporters’ stuck refunds.

The non-payment of refunds has been a major dampener for leather exports and is indirectly widening the trade gap even further.

“We will provide all necessary facilities to the Lahore-based exporters and importers on top of removing hurdles to motivate them to do their business through Lahore Dry Port,” Younas said while assuring the exporters of full cooperation of his department.