PFMA plans footwear and allied industry facilities in Quaid-e-Azam Business Park, Lahore

Pakistan Footwear Manufacturer Association (PFMA) plans to enhance the training facility of the Italy-Pakistan Footwear Technological centre and Pakistan shoe design Hub (IPFTC) in Quaid-e-Azam Business Park in Lahore. The Association has requested the Government of Punjab to allocate free land for the same. All the footwear and allied industry facilities will be available for manufacturers to boost this sector.

In this regard, Chairman Mr Imran Malik met with Governor of Punjab Mr Chaudry Muhammad Sarwar today. He discussed the plans with critical challenges being faced by the footwear industry.

In addition, PFMA Chairman requested the Governor instruct concerned authorities to swiftly process and reimburse custom authorities’ funds on importing machinery from Italy to establish a state-of-the-art Italy-Pakistan Footwear Technology Center in Lahore. As per the Letter of Intent, the Italian Government has provided Free Machinery for IPFTC, but import expenses have to be borne by the Pakistan government. PFMA requested the Government waver on custom duties on first-time imports, but matters were delayed in different ministries.

Similarly, the Association also suggested extending incentives of local taxes and levies drawback for another three-year term as previous incentives expired on 30th June 2021. The Chairman also brought Governor attention towards determining the import duties on ready shoes must be fixed in dollar terms irrespective of FOB price. This way, under-invoicing can be stopped, and the impact will be on Low priced imported shoes will be on real value resulting in encouraging local manufacturing.

The PFMA Chairman requested the Governor to take this suggestion timely into consideration by providing swift relief to the industry and providing a level playing field to local producers to compete with their foreign counterparts. At its infancy, Footwear Industry requires Government attention and support to become the leading export-oriented industry of Pakistan to help boost the economy by earning valuable foreign exchange and creating job opportunities.

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