20000328

Apcea loses powers

of quota management

for 3 months

MUZAFFAR QURESHI

KARACHI: The Export Promotion Bureau has withdrawn functions and powers of quota management of All Pakistan Cloth Exporters Association (Apcea) of Faisalabad for three months in respect to EU Category 20 (Bed Linen) with effect from April 1, 2000. The prohibition will remain in force till June 30, 2000. However, Apcea will continue quota servicing for its members for EU Cat-20 up to March 31, 2000.

The functions and powers of quota management in the said category have been withdrawn by EPB Vice Chairman in exercise of his powers under para 6(5) of the Textile Quota Management Policy Order 2000 as amended to-date.

The Director of Textile Department, Amir Jan, in a public notice has informed all textile associations and exporters that quota servicing for Apcea members in respect to European Union Category 20 has been re-allocated to All Pakistan Bedsheet and Upholstery Manufacturers Association with effect from April 2000 for a period of three months up to June 30, 2000.

The 'Public Notice' suggests that between now and March 31, 2000, the affected members of APCEA may become members of APBUMA or any other textile association authorised to handle EU Category-20 or seek quota servicing for the same category from an authorised association without becoming member of such association as provided in Para-6(2) of SRO 1(1)/2000 dated 6.1.2000.

After June 30, 2000 such members may, at their option, revert to Apcea or retain their membership of the other association, they may have chosen to become members, for servicing of their quota for EU Cat-20.

It may be pointed out that the functions and powers of quota servicing in EU Cat-20 have been withdrawn from Apcea after detection of a serious quota forgery by three members of the association who tampered with the visa issued by the EPB for making shipment above their quota entitlement. The export firms involved in the forgery had already been punished with heavy fines and had been directed to surrender quota utilised in excess of their performance.