ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly (NA) was informed on Wednesday that the government has taken various steps to strengthen textile and other sectors in the country.

Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan told the house during question hour that sales tax of five export oriented sectors namely textile, leather, sports goods, surgical goods and carpets has been made part of zero rated tax regime from July this year.

According to media reports, he said that technology upgradation fund scheme for the textile sector is also available and the facility of duty free import of textile machinery is continuing.

The minister said mark-up rates on export refinance facility, has been brought down to three per cent and the long-term finance facility is continuing at five per cent.