KARACHI, July 18: Trade and industry leaders have expressed resentment over the Trade Policy 2008-09, which they say totally lacked measures and a proper roadmap badly needed to promote the export trade.

The much-expected support for textile industry and the general demand of manufacturing sector to cut their cost of production were not addressed in the trade policy announced on Friday, they added.

Commenting on the trade policy business leaders said that another ‘joke’ had been made with the trade and industry. “We kept waiting for business friendly measures in the budget but were disappointed, thereafter some hopes were given by the government that the trade policy would give some relief but again we are being now asked to wait for the prime minister’s speech to the nation in which a textile package may be announced,” textile industry leaders remarked.

Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association chairman Javed Bilwani said the commerce minister made promises in the trade policy but did not announce measures, which could give confidence to the manufacturing-cum-export sector.

The minister promised to improve No duty, No drawback scheme for exporters but again did not spell out its features and “this also seems to be another promise, which would never be fulfilled”, he maintained.

Undoubtedly, Mr Bilwani said that by expanding negative list for allowing imports from India the industry might get some cheaper raw material, including fine count yarn and steel products.

Towel Manufacturers Association chairman Syed Usman Ali said that trade policy was a ‘bogus’ piece of document.

He said the commerce minister had informed that some of the chapters of the trade policy had been withheld and the prime minister would disclose them in his address to the nation.