KARACHI: Pakistan Apparel Forum (PAF) representing four value added apparel associations with a total export value of $5.3 billion per annum has been ignored to be included in formulating and finalising the Export Package, announced on January 10, 2017. In a letter to PM Nawaz Sharif, Javeed Bilwani Chief of the PAF and other members including Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Pakistan Knitwear and Sweater Exporters Association and Pakistan Cotton Fashion Apparel Manufacturers and Exporters Association said rebate on cotton yarn exports will benefit our international competitors more who will get cheaper yarn than local industries. This will support their business and would have a negative impact on local value added industries. PAF suggested a rebate on yarn should be given to indirect exports (local sales) instead of direct exports of yarn. PAF said that a 4 percent rebate on the cotton yarn will further lead to unbridled exports of our precious raw material. In the conversion of cotton to yarn the major component is electricity after cotton which means electricity is also being exported in the shape of export of yarn while the industries here are starving for electricity which will support our competitors. Government grants 4 percent rebate on providing raw material-yarn to our otherwise competitors. The government has withdrawn Customs Duty and Sales Tax on import of cotton due to a decline in cotton production. Since there is also a shortage of yarn in the country, therefore PAF requested to withdraw Customs Duty, Sales Tax and Regulatory Duty on import of cotton yarn up to 32 single coarse-count, which is the major requirement of value added apparel sector. PAF is confident that the prime minister will pay due attention to submissions in the larger interest of trade and the industry just to apprise that the current exports can be boosted to $5 to $6 billion without adding new supply capacities of gas, electricity, water and other allied infrastructure to provided for the industries without interruption and at price available to our competitors. PAF also requested Finance Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, Commerce Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan and Adviser to PM on Revenue, Haroon Akhtar Khan to ponder into the matter.