Imran Malik, MD Bata Pakistan has been elected New Chairman PFMA for the year 2020 2021. In his welcome speech, he thanked outgoing Chairman and Retiring EC members for their Contribution to the Footwear Sector and the Association.

Similarly, Muhammad Mehr Ali of Khawaja Tanneries (Pvt) Ltd as Senior Vice Chairman and Mr Muhammad Zubair of M/s UE (Pvt) Ltd as Vice Chairman of the association respectively.

Mr Imran showed his complete commitment for completion of all ongoing projects with particular reference to IPFTC (Italian Pakistan Footwear Technology centre). He will take this project to the next level of excellence. He is determinant to best utilize this facility for betterment and growth of Footwear sector of Pakistan. He assured to take all necessary decision in the consensus of Executive Committee for the more considerable interest of Footwear sector.

After resuming charge, his prime objective is to make all-out efforts to engage Government relevant organs to create a conducive environment for future cooperation that can serve for the benefit of exporters, manufacturers, component supplies, large, medium and small industries of Footwear along with mutual interest of SMEs.

In his speech, he emphasis on challenges faced by Industry, especially the cost of input that is the biggest hindrance in making our product less competitive in the international market. He assured to take up this issue with Government to provide tax concessions by abolishing Additional Custom duty on industry inputs. He firmly believes that our rebate to exporters should be equal and higher to our competitors’ countries. He pointed out DLTL is very important for exporters, and he thinks it should be 7% whereas presently it is 3%. DLTL regime is ending by next year. Mr Imran efforts would be to take up the matter with the Ministry of Commerce to extend DLTL regime for the next three years.

He’ll continue to seek guidance and suggestions from members to enhance the manufacturing base of Footwear that leads to an increase in export and generate employment opportunities in the country.