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pAkiSTAN’S FirST iNDepTH NewSpAper oN CuSTomS
Daily
Vol 1 Issue No. 162
Karachi, Wed August 19, 2015
KARACHI
AFTAB CHANNA
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he Model Customs Collectorate-East Research and Development section is likely to investigate into the illegal clearance of prohibited raw material used for antibiotics by mis-declaration. The sources told Customs Today that an importer Mohammad Ali Chandna has allegedly got cleared consignments of pro-
Price Rs. 14.00
hibited raw material to be used for making antibiotic medicines. The clearance of the consignments is illegal that has also brought revenue loss to the national kitty, sources added. In this regard, the then MCC East Collector Manzoor Hussain Memon has assigned the investigation to Principle Appraiser ShaTiullah and Appraising OfTicer Azhar Abbas to probe the matter and submit the report at the earliest, sources said. The importer has taken undue beneTits of the SRO by mis-declaration and a case might be registered if importer’s involvement is found, sources concluded.
Multan ASO confiscates 120 pieces of clothes iron
Faisalabad ASO seizes illegally imported black pepper
Govt boosting living standard of South Punjab people: Mujtaba
FBR extends tax returns’ filing date till 21st
FCCI terms photo Journalists backbone of news media
The Customs ASO has seized the imported clothes iron worth Rs 400,000 | See pAge 02 |
ASO has seized illegally imported black pepper having market value | See pAge 03 |
The provincial government has initiated several projects in south Punjab | See pAge 04 |
FBR has extended the date of submission of sales tax/federal excise duty | See pAge 03 |
Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Revenue. | See pAge 09 |
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World Bank terms FBR’s IRIS system ineffective Wednesday, August 19, 2015
National
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank mission has declared the computerized system, Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), introduced by Federal Board of Revenue as ineffective, adding that it was old and traditional system. The World Bank mission has told the FBR officials that the tax system must be integrated for the collection of revenue. The mission added that the IRIS system is based on 20 years old technology and it was similar to the previous system which was creating problems for people as well as for department.
Faisalabad ASo seizes illegally imported black pepper
Arms smuggling case: Customs Court confirms interm bails of accused KARACHI
muHAmmAD YouSAF
FAISALABAD
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NAeem SHeikH
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he Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) has seized illegally imported black pepper having market value of Rs 2,114,700. Sources told Customs Today that Faisalabad Collector Tauseef Ahmed Qureshi received credible information regarding smuggling of foreign origin black pepper. Soon after receiving the tip, a raiding party was formed, which consisted of Superintendent Zahid Bukhari, Inspector Mehmood Ahmad and sepoys Muhammad Naeem, Muhammad Salam, Atta Muhammad, HaTiz Naseer and Liaqat Ali. The customs team during a raid at SM ShaTiq Sohail Good’s Transport Company, Choly Wali Puli, Jhang Road, Faisalabad seized 38 bags of black pepper, each weighing 53kg, which involved duty and taxes amounting to Rs 348,532. The raiding team asked accused Muhammad Saleem Paracha, son of Muhammad Arif Paracha, a resident of Sitara Sapana City, to produce legal documents regarding possession of black pepper, but he failed to provide the same. Upon his failure, the customs authorities seized the black pepper and registered a case against the owner. Further investigation is underway.
he Special Customs and AntiSmuggling Court has confirmed the interim bails granted to the accused in an arms smuggling case. According to the FIA officials, parts of pistols and magazines were recovered from the personal baggage of Mumtazuddin at the Jinnah International Airport. The accused reportedly used to smuggle the consignments for a Nadra official Col (r) Hafeez. Subsequently an FIR was registered against the smuggler and co-accused under the sections of the Customs Act 1969. Earlier, Mumtazuddin and Hafeez were ordered to be released on the interim bail. The investigation officer had said the prime accused smuggled the parts of weapons for Hafeez but where did they go afterwards needed to be investigated further. He, therefore, opposed the bail confirmation pleas of the accused and pleaded with judge to remand the accused to FIA’s custody.The counsel for the accused submitted that Hafeez was summoned nine times by FIA for interrogation and his statement was recorded yet the FIA wants his custody.
Meanwhile, The Customs AntiSmuggling Organization (ASO) Faisalabad has seized a consignment comprising vinyl acetate, sodium sulphate, asumin-cescamas worth Rs 9.404 million involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 4.7 million, besides impounding a trailer being used for the transportation of the non-duty paid items worth Rs 2.3 million As per details, ASO team following the directions of Collector Model Custom Collectorate Faisalabad, Tauseef Ahamed Qureshi, conducted a raid near Jhang Road, Faisalabad.
The team intercepted a Nissan Trailer bearing Registration No. TLF-556 loaded with container No. CCLU-795023-9. The ASO team while searching the container, recovered 3,040 kilogram vinyl acetate, 7500 kg of sodium sulphate and 20,000 kg of asunmin-c-escamas and asked the driver to produce documents showing the legal import of the vehicle, but he remained failed to do so. On which ofTicials conTiscated the items and trailer under the prevailing customs law and served notice upon the accused persons
namely Muhammad Sajjad Akbar, Jamil Iqbal of Sajid Goods Transport Company. ASO team comprising Superintendent Zahid Bukhari, Inspector Mehmood Ahmad Dogar, Muhammad Naeem, HaTiz Nisar Ahmad and others participated in the operation. Meanwhile, The Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Faisalabad has collected Rs 250.354 million in wake of taxes during Tirst month of current Tiscal year 2015-16, however it has not been assigned revenue target by the Federal Board of Revenue so far.
Customs nominates Naveedur Rehman as focal person for Hajj ISLAMABAD
SHAHiD miNHAS
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odel Customs Collectorate Islamabad has nominated Deputy Collector Naveedur Rehman as the focal person for Hajj operations at Benazir International Airport Islamabad. According to ofTice order, it
has been notiTied for the information of all concerned that Naveedur Rehman Bugvi, Deputy collector AB, BBI Airport Islamabad is hereby designated as the focal person to coordinate with all other agencies for the purpose of Hajj operations. He can be contacted on 051 9280422 and 03335450233. It is important to mention here, that Model Customs Collectorate has prepared duty plan for Hajj 2015 operations and formed three shifts for the customs ofTicials to perform
duty at Benazir International Airport Islamabad and facilitate the Hajj performers. Meanwhile, Model Customs Collectorate Islamabad has chalked out a duty plan for customs ofTicials deputed at Benazir International Airport Islamabad to handle the Hajj operation, 2015 in order to tighten the vigilance and facilitate the performers. In this regard, an ofTice order C.No.-Estt.Hajj operation 30/2015/7404 has been issued by Deputy Collector MCC Islamabad,
Yawar Nawaz which is effective for operation of Hajj Tlights. According to the ofTice order, three shifts have been set up in this regard. Shift A will start perform its duty from August 16-26, 2015, Shift B will perform from August 27 to September 5, 2015 and Shift C will perform its duties from September 6 till the end of the Hajj Tlights. In shift A, Superintendent M. Yousaf Khan will perform his duty at Air Freight Unit (AFU) Export and Deputy Superintendent Tahir Mur-
taza at AFU Import. Dy. Superintendent Gul Muhammad is deployed at Islamabad Dry Port, Inspector Arshad Butt at Preventive division. Muhammad Arshad, Naseer Ahmad, Ghulam Shabir are deployed at Islamabad airport. In shift B, Superintendent M. Sarfaraz will perform his duty at AFU Export, while Dy. Superintendent Amjad Mehmood is deployed at AFU Import. Dy. Superintendent Muhammad Saleem is deploye at Islamabad Dry Port, Inspector Ghulam Shabir is deployed at IMO.
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Excise issues 30,000 property tax notices in Kasur LAHORE: The Punjab Excise and Taxation Department has started issuing property tax notices in all districts of the province, and according to Kasur District Officer Malik Mohammad Aslam, the regional department has issued 30,000 property tax notices to defaulters of property tax in August. The Kasur Excise had also reportedly collected a handsome amount under the heads of property tax and token tax during 45 days of the current fiscal year. According to Malik Aslam, other immovable property tax notices would be issued soon to ensure recoveries within the given timeframe.
Customs officers bid farewell to pCA Director Saud imran LAHORE
m HAYAT
Wednesday August 19, 2015
National
FBr extends tax returns’ filing date until August 21
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ustoms officers on Monday bid farewell to director Post Clearance Audit (PAC) as he has been transferred to Directorate Customs Investigation and Intelligence Lahore. Saud Imran Ahmad was transferred on Sunday to Customs Intelligence as director from PCA Lahore. The Customs officers in order to bid farewell had a limited get-together and acknowledged his service and good time in the Customs House. Officer of Customs including Collector of Customs Lahore Preventive, Mukaram jah Ansari, DG Valuation Sumera Nazir, Director Mubashar Baigh, Collector Appeal Asif Mehmood Jah, Collector of Customs Multan Sarfraz Waraich, Additional Director Munib Sarwar.
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Customs to set up body on weBoC KARACHI
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he Customs Department has decided to establish a special committee to look into the matters of the WeBOC. Sources told Customs Today that decision in this regard has been taken to bring efficiency in performance of WeBOC system, because authorities are receiving complaints from a quite sometime about performance of the system. The committee will look all this matters and suggest measures to improve it. The representatives of traders and customs agents will be included in the committee. Authorities are suggesting that trade chambers and associations may also be invited to participate in the committee proceedings, so all decisions taken by the committee must be endorsed by all stake holders.
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ISLAMABAD
SHAHiD miNHAS
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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has extended the date of submission of sales tax/federal excise duty return up to August 21, 2015 for the tax period July, 2015 for all registered persons. The extension has been granted under section 74 of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 and Section 43 of the Federal Excise Act, 2005. However, it is clarified that there will be no change in the date of payment of Sales Tax & FED dues for July 2015, which already stands extended to 17th August, 2015 by virtue of Section 10 of the General Clauses Act, 1897. Meanwhile, Marking 11 percent growth over thr last year, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has collected Rs 148.98 billion net revenue during Tirst month (July) of current Tiscal year 2015-16 against the collection of Rs 133.96 billion in the same month of the last Tiscal year 2014-15. As per statistics of the FBR, it generated Rs 16.245 billion net revenue on the last day of July 2015 in the wake of taxes, however; in 2014 it could collect Rs 14 billion. The FBR’s gross collection stood at Rs 163.649 billion in July, 2015 and after payment of refunds to the tune of Rs 14.669 billion, the net collection is standing at Rs 148.98 billion. While, in July, 2014 FBR made
gross collection amounting to Rs 141.01 billion including Rs 7.039 billion refunds. During current Tiscal year in July, it collected Rs 62.184 billion under the head of income tax against the collection of Rs 46.123 billion in the same month of last year. It received Rs 74.394 billion as sales tax in July, 2015 but could collect Rs 71.892 billion in July, 2014. In wake of customs duty, it generated Rs 22.598 billion in current year’s Tirst month, while Rs 17.636
billion was collected during same corresponding period of last year. The FBR also collected Rs 4.473 bil-
it is clarified that there will be no change in the date of payment of sales tax and FeD dues for July 2015, which already stands extended to August 17, 2015 by virtue of Section 10 of the general Clauses Act, 1897
Cotton ginners reject tax on cotton bundles
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he federal government has imposed a new cess on each cotton bundle. The Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association has rejected the new cess on the pommelling of the cotton. These views were expressed by Hafeez Anwar while talking to Customs Today. He said that the government is trying to impose unjustiTied taxes on cotton industry which
will effect our business due to cotton crisis in the country. He further said that the federal government has applied Rs 5 cess on each cotton bundle recently for the collection of levies. This collected tax will be consumed in the up-gradation and salaries of Pakistan Cotton Standard Institute. The federal government will collect cess on each cotton bundle from Punjab and Sindh. The government had already imposed cess on numerous occasions
but failed to collect tax from Cotton Ginners Association and this time again the association has rejected the cess. Chairman Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association Hafeez Anwar said: “We are already paying 12 different taxes and the government is applying another tax. It is impossible for us to continue our business under heavy taxation. We will not accept any other sort of taxes and refuse to pay cruel taxes because these taxes are a burden on the business community.”
lion under the head of federal excise duty in July, 2015 but in July, 2014, it had achieved Rs 5.349 billion. Meanwhile, The second round of talks between FBR authorities and traders ended without reaching any conclusion. According to details, the traders demanded that under section 40 of Sales Tax Act 1990, raids on shops, business centers and business points must be stopped immediately. They said that these kind of measures creates negative impact on traders community.
waheed promoted as Zone ii eTo ssistant Excise and Taxation Officer Region A Mohammad Waheed has been promoted as Excise and Taxation Officer and he will perform his duties in Zone II. According to a notification, he will assume the charge of his new responsibilities within next few days. Talking to Customs Today Mohammad Waheed said that he would try his best to perform his services.
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Punjab’s biggest textile exhibition at Lahore Expo Centre from 29th Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Business
LAHORE: The garments manufacturers have announced to arrange the 14th International Textile Asia Exhibition at Lahore Expo Centre from August 29-31 and showcase products of textile, garment, embroidery, digital printing machineries and chemical and allied service. he Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA), terming the event the biggest trade fair of Punjab, has announced to arrange the event first time in collaboration with Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan. PRGMEA Central chairman Ijaz Khokhar said that the association is taking steps to boost export.
govt boosting living standard of Southern punjab people: mujtaba LAHORE
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he provincial government has initiated several projects in south Punjab to boost the living standard of the deprived people living in the area. This was stated by Provincial Minister for Excise and Taxation Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, while talking to different delegations. He said that the Punjab government started Quaid-eAzam Solar Park in Bahawalpur at
FDi increased by 307.6 percent to $75m in July LAHORE
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he foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country has surged by 307.6 per cent to $75 million in July 2015. According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), FDI increased by $56.6 million year-on-year in July, as it amounted to $18.4 million in the same month of 2014-15. The huge year-on-year difference in FDI in July is mainly on the back of the FDI in the power sector.
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the cost of Rs150 billion, while Saaf Pani programme has been launched at the cost of Rs30 billion in eleven districts of south Punjab. The minister said the Punjab government has made equitable allocation of funds for development projects in the province. He said the government is using all available resources for providing better healthcare to the people, and specialised institutes are being set up in the province so that state-of-the-art facilities could be provided to the masses at the local level. He announced that the Punjab government is establishing a modern kidney and liver institute and research
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apital Development Authority Chairman Maroof Afzal has directed concerned department of the authority to complete the construction work at the Park Enclave housing project. He issued the orders while visiting the project area to review the development work, while Member
LAHORE
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akistan Muslim League (PML) senior central leader and former deputy prime minister Ch Parvez Elahi has said that his party stands with traders on their demand about withholding tax and will raise voice against this oppression on them both inside and outside the assembly. He said this while talking to a delegation of Liberty Small Traders Association, headed by Babar Butt, which called on him at his residence here. Ch Parvez Elahi said that traders are backbone of national economy. He said PML-N after coming into power by securing their votes instead of providing them incentives promises and solving their problems they are entangled in new problems, by imposing withholding tax such an oppression has been done with them that entire traders community is protesting but their genuine complaints are being ignored, he added. Delegation members while appreciating services of Ch Parvez Elahi for traders said that that during his tenure Model Liberty Centre was established with provision of Rs 16 crore whereas for common and poor man number of welfare projects including Rescue 1122, free medicines and free education were launched, traders regarded the Chief Minister House.
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centre in Lahore at a cost of Rs 3 billion, whereas Rs 1.41 billion package has been announced for spe-
cialist doctors as incentive to work in tehsil and district hospitals, whereas Rs 10.82 billion.
CDA head reviews pace of work at park enclave housing project CuSTomS BuLLeTiN reporT
‘pmL-Q fully supports traders against wHT’
Administration and Estate Amer Ali Ahmed also accompanied by him. The Planning, Land and Engineering Wing of the CDA briefed participants at the occasion. The ofTicers also reviewed the ongoing construction on roads connecting Park Enclave with Kuri Road and Park Road. The CDA chairman directed for deployment of additional manpower and heavy machinery so that development activities in the Park Enclave could be completed within the stipulated time. He urged Engineering Wing for submission of weekly progress report about the
development activities to him. The relevant wings apprised the chairman that construction on 33 out of 44 roads is in the Tinal stage of completion and Triple Surface Treatment (TST) on 33 roads has been completed. It was informed that streets in the Park Enclave have been demarcated, while construction work on major and small roads in housing project is being commenced. Construction work on approach roads is in Tinal stage with accelerated pace; adding that 1.5kilometer long road from Kuri and Park Road is being constructed.
PSM urges govt to intervene in gas issue with SSGC KARACHI
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delegation of National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production, led by Asad Umar, has visited the Pakistan Steel Mills,
where PSM Chief Executive OfTicer Zaheer Ahmed Khan briefed them about the status of implementation of the plans and efforts made to improve the complex machinery at PSM, especially about the current position of gas crisis. The top ofTicial of Pakistan Steel Mills sought the government support to resolve the ongoing issue with the Sui
Southern Gas Company over the supply of gas. He urged the government to immediately intervene in the issue to save the steel mills from further losses. It was discussed that Pakistan Steel Mills is a national asset and is the biggest steel industry in Pakistan. Plant is in better condition and efforts should be made for revival of PSM.
Meanwhile, With the aim to provide maximum exposure to prices of gold in a Shariah compliant manner, Al Meezan Investment Management Limited (Al Meezan) has launched the country’s Tirst Shariah compliant openend commodity scheme ie Meezan Gold Fund (MGF). The scheme will facilitate the investors with deliverable gold-based future contracts
available at a commodity exchange (Pakistan Mercantile Exchange-PMEX). MGF has an initial offering from August 13-18, with no load and would be open for subscription subsequently. Al Meezan CEO Mohammad Shoaib, while announcing the launch of the fund, said, “Al Meezan has continued to address the growing need of investors who are
looking for wealth creation over the long term. In this regard, gold is viewed as a profitable avenue for investments. MGF offers a simple way of investing in gold by having physical gold as an asset at the back while letting you make the most out of its appreciating value potential. MGF also allows the investors to get involved with the yellow metal without the hassle of buying.
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Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed between Pakistan Customs and the IATA at a local hotel. Director, Directorate of Reforms and Automation, Customs, Abdul Majid Yousfani signed the MoU on behalf of the Customs while the IATA was represented by its deputy director Ms Nathalie Herbelles. While the Director General, Directorate of Reforms and Automation Customs, FBR, Nasir Masroor Ahmed was the chief guest on the occasion. Nasir Masroor, the Director General, Directorate of Reforms and Automation, Customs-FBR welcomed the MoU and spoke of the future collaborations between Pakistan Customs and the IATA. He mentioned that the development of this system is the outcome of Pakistan Customs resolve to trade facilitation and modernization. Nasir further informed that Pakistan Customs is also working closely with China Customs and Afghan Customs for the development of Electronic Data Interface. “This will help generate more revenue and will also curb smuggling and under invoicing”, he added.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Abdul Majid Yousfani, Director, Direc- ulated Pakistan Customs for implementtorate of Reforms and Automation, Pak- ing IATA Cargo XML and API Standards. istan Customs, elaboEarlier, while welcoming the dignitaries, rated the technical Collector MCC-Preventive Syed Tariq aspects of both Huda emphasized the commitment of Cargo XML and Pakistan Customs to work for the betterAdvance Pasment of the country and the community. senger InforThe development of Cargo XML facility mation (APC). will reduce the dwell time of the He mentioned cargo imported through air, he the pilot testing added. of this program “This is return will rewill comduce the cost of doing mence once business. The API the developsystem will provide i sfan ment of the the information of ul majid You um d b A software is incoming passend n a r o em completed. gers before their signed the m pakistan e “The comarrival. This h t f o lf on beha plete roll would forestall s a w iATA out of the risks and enable stoms, while its u C EDI stanPakistan Cusy b d represente dards is toms to provide s ctor m likely to be better passenger Deputy Dire lles. completed facilitation to the e b r e by end of passengers”, he Nathalie H 2015”, he added. added. The event was well atMs Nathalie Hertended by leading diplobelles highlighted the mats, business personalidetails of the Cargo XML ties and senior management of and API Systems. She congratthe Pakistan Customs.
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Founder & Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Editor rahil Yasin editor@customsbulletin.com.pk For advertising & subscription marketing@customsbulletin.com.pk www.customsbulletin.com Phones: 042-35781643-4, Fax: 042-35781645 Address: 627, Siddiq Trade Centre, Gulberg, Lahore
eDiToriAL
great expectations
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akistan is expecting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to approve a $502 million loan in mid-September after it ensured the donor agency that it is ready to adopt a set of policy measures to meet the conditionalities. After attending the IMF meetings in Dubai, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar held a series of meetings in Islamabad to discuss various pressing issues, including the autonomy of the State Bank, expansion of tax net and privatisation of the government-owned organizations to pave the way for meeting the targets set by the IMF for the approval and release of the next tranche. The government has already convened biddings for the privatisation of National Power Construction Company to meet one of the prior actions. Dar has also approved a reference price for the sale of the company, leading to some more divestments in the near future. A meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance was convened to meet the financial targets in line with a conditionality of the IMF program. Rampant corruption in the power sector is one of the main causes of the energy crisis in the country. A delay in removing numerous deficiencies is hindering the flow of funds from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and other lending agencies for the improvement of this sector. Unfortunately, the frail economy looks towards Washington to help obtain even the IMF loans. The people of Pakistan are destined to live in dark on the financial and economic issues as the IMF is not in a hurry to let them know the situation in the background. The NA standing committee has approved the proposed State Bank of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill 2015 for the establishment of a committee to take decisions on the monetary policy. Amendments to SBP Act of 1956 will clip the powers of the executive board of the State Bank, allowing the Monetary Policy Committee to determine policy rate. The people of Pakistan need a blow of fresh air which is missing in every government action. People do not want amendments, but reforms in economic and financial discipline whereas the government is following hackneyed path of commissions and omissions. The country has the potential to enhance exports of indigenous products, but it has failed to find new markets. There is a need to benefit from the growing cottage industry and concentrate on the exports of local-made products rather than yearning for the production and exports of high tech equipment.
world Bank’s cautious indications W LAHORE
Dr AFTAB AFZAL
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orld Bank ofTicial Sri Mulyani Indrawati, during her recent visit to Pakistan, counted various challenges facing the country and opportunities it offers to the local and foreign investors. When she emphasized that the performance of the Pakistani economy needs to be improved,she also assessed the unexploited economic potentials of Pakistan as its growth rate has been the only half that of India and China for the last two decades. According to her, if the current rate of growth continues, the Chinese economy will be 100 times larger than Pakistan and Indian economy will be a whopping
40 times.She says that Pakistan has the vast water and river endowment, thousands of mile coastline and reservoirs of natural resourceswhereas an estimated 40 million middle class can be functionalized as a powerful engine for economic growth. The present government has achieved macroeconomic stabilityduring its tenure in the ofTice while foreign remittances have reached $18 billion per annum that is the equivalent to 6.5 percent of the country’s GDP and the largest source of foreign exchange after exports. The economy proved itself resilient in the face of Tloods, extreme weather conditions and earthquake. She also says that Pakistan needs to utilize its people in a better wayand exploit the beneTits of its geographical location.Pakistan
is the 6th most populous country in the world with half of its population younger than 24. If the current rate of growth continues, Pakistan’s population will exceed 300 million by 2050. The private sector needs to be encouraged to absorb 1.5 million young people who reach the working age every year. There is a need to encourage women to participate in economic development of the country as only 25 percent of women work professionally, which is far below than those are in most of the developing nations. The World Development Report on Gender and Development shows that greater gender equality can enhance productivity and improves the pace of development. As a matter of fact, theWorld Bank ofTicial has the freedom of ex-
pression to enjoy in Pakistan and look into the economy through the lenses of a Tinancial expert, but it is unfortunate for Pakistan that a permanent enemy lives in its neighbourhood. The SARRC was a good forum to integrate the regional economies, but it became hostage to the hegemony of one country. However, there is a need to put our own house in order. Our enemy is smart and wicket, but our people should avoid playing in its hands. The prime example is the construction of Kalabagh Dam which can ensure prosperity in this country, but is openly being opposed by those who are on the payroll of Indian agencies. Pakistan is a potentially rich country and we have to achieve economic prosperity by Tighting not only on foreign but also on home front.
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LCCI for weeding out menace of fake medicines LAHORE: LCCI President Ijaz A Mumtaz has regretted that the vested interests have hijacked Chief Minister’s initiatives against fake medicines. In a statement issued here, the LCCI president said that these vested interests have successfully managed to shift the focus of the CM towards genuine pharmaceutical manufacturers who have nothing to do with fake medicine business. Ijaz said that the drug act 1976 is a complete code of conduct to ensure provision of quality medicines to the masses as it has all the ingredients to control spread of fake medicines. However, the amendments introduced in this act have strengthened hands of wrong doers. The LCCI president said that there was a dire need to put the manufacturers of fake medicines behind bars but it is believed that the recently introduced legislation by provincial govt would not be doing any considerable service to pharmaceutical sector.
FPCCI prepares to counter changes in the way of women empowerment ederation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPPCI), responding to global shift to women empowerment and their active participation, has planned to soon set up a modern display centre for promotion of women entrepreneurs especially from the rural areas of the country. There is a big women potential which simply needs due projection and support from the government, private sector and the society in general, said Rizwana Shahid. In an interview with APP here, Chairperson FPCCI Standing Committee on Women Entrepreneurs and Adviser to SAARC Women Entrepreneurs Council, Rizwana Shahid said the display centre at FPCCI here would greatly help in showcasing for the visitors especially the foreigners various products including handicrafts, traditional embroidery and home and cottage industry products by women besides gems and jewellery, garments and foods. “This centre has been approved by the FPCCI leadership and would soon be functioning,” she added.
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KBD to ensure food, energy, water security: SCCI eople belonging to various walks of life including business community have urged upon the government to take practical steps for the construction of maximum dams including Kala Bagh Dam for the larger national interests. The timely decision of the government on the construction of mega project of Kala Bagh dam would help in ensuring food, energy and water security while it will bring prosperity to all four Provinces of the country they said. Talking to Business Recorder on Wednesday the President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Fazal Jilani said that the construction of Kala Bagh dam is necessary for strengthening national economy as well as to cope with the energy crisis. The establishment of Kala Bagh dam would help to save millions acres of water going down in sea every year which was irreparable loss for the country he said.
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Wednesday August 19, 2015
Chambers
iCCi calls for construction of new dams to cope with floods, energy crisis ISLAMABAD
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slamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called upon the government to focus on the construction of more dams, especially in Tlood-prone areas that will help in coping with Tlash Tloods and generating cheap energy. Muzzamil Hussain Sabri, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that once again the devastating Tloods due to recent rains have highlighted the urgent need of constructing more dams and water reservoirs in the country. He said due to lack of dams and water reservoirs, Pakistan has suffered huge losses in terms of death of hundreds of people, damage to infrastructure and destruction of huge areas of crops. He said the 2010 Tloods alone had cost the economy around $10 billion and displaced 20 million people while this year’s Tloods are estimated to cause signiTicant cut in development budget to cope with Tlood
iCCi president muzzamil Hussain Sabri
situation and cause 1 percent reduction in GDP growth. He said the World Bank has also estimated Pakistan’s economic losses in excess of $18bn because of natural disasters in the last one decade. Another study shows that Pakistan’s
economy is facing annual loss of $36 billion due to water wastage. He said the climate change and global warming have accelerated the pace of glaciers melting causing heavy rains in monsoon due to which the Tlood pattern in Pakistan has be-
kCCi asks government to offer incentives to plastic industry
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FAISALABAD
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arachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra has urged the government to extend maximum facilities and incentives to the plastic industry to give a boost to this high potential sector. Vohra, who belongs to plastic sector, said that the machinery and equipment are being purchased from Italy, China and Iran at very high prices that badly discourages the growth of the important economic sector. He also demanded for availability of plastic raw material at lower prices, especially after a big reduction in petroleum prices in the international market. At present, he said, the plastic in-
kCCi president iftikhar Ahmed Vohra
dustry in the country is in a serious crisis, and it deserves a special support from the government. He called for effective steps to check smuggling of plastic goods from
Iran that have created serious problems for the local plastic industry. On the agreement between world powers and Iran on nuclear non-proliferation, the KCCI president highly appreciated the historic move. Pakistan would beneTit a lot by becoming a main trade and investment partner with Iran, he said, adding that both the countries would take advantage of each other’s vast natural resources. Pakistan would be importing especially petroleum products, steel and chemicals from Iran which would cost the country very low. Whereas, many items mainly the home textile would be exported there as a big market is going to open, he added. “By land route via Iran, we can reach up to Europe. Now, the focus in the world is to have access from endto-end,” KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra commented.
come every year’s phenomenon. This situation could be turned into an opportunity by building more dams and water storage facilities in the country to store huge amount of rain water. However, it is unfortunate that our successive governments have not paid due attention to this serious issue. Muzzamil Hussain Sabri said that industrial growth and economic development of our country mostly depended on agriculture. But, water resources were depleting in Pakistan while huge amount of rain water was being lost and wasted in the seas due to lack of storage facilities. This state of affairs could cause severe water scarcity in the country in coming days and pose serious threats to agriculture sector and food security. He said there is an urgent need to reactivate and gear up disaster management systems to cope with Tlash Tloods. He said the existing dams are also silting up leaving reduced capacity to store water. In these circumstances the country desperately needs to construct more dams to store adequate water.
FCCI starts medical certificate facility for its members aisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) should continue its committed, dedicated, and professional research based efforts to facilitate its members by adding more and more facilities under its umbrella, said Mian Muhammad Adrees President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). He was addressing a function after unveiling a plague for the inauguration of the facility of medical certificate for FCCI members at FCCI-E-Police station. He said that he has to make reinvigorated and sincere efforts to make FPCCI a true and effective representative trade body of the business community of Pakistan. For this purpose he fully utilized his personal qualities in addition to the experience he has mustered during his tenure as president of FCCI.
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Morocco Customs launches e-payment system for online importers Wednesday August 19, 2015
World
RABAT: Morocco’s Customs Department and Indirect Taxes (ADII) officially launched its electronic (e)payment system to facilitate the convenience of online payment by importers. Entitled “Badr”, the system was implemented in consultation with Morocco’s General Treasury (TGR), ADII said in a statement issued on Wednesday. ADII pointed out that the system allows all importers to process e-payment of customs duties, using their credit cards. The approach for using this new mode of payment is quick and simple. First, users should access the system “Badr” and then select the customs debts that they want to settle. “Once the transaction is confirmed, a payment receipt and customs receipt will be automatically sent to the users’ email by the system,” the statement explained.
uS Customs seizes cocaine at Baltimore port BALTIMORE
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uthorities seized 147 pounds of cocaine hidden inside a shipping container full of lumber at the port of Baltimore, ofTicials said. The discovery — aided by cargo scanning technology — is the largest cocaine seizure in Baltimore since 2007, when authorities found more than 300 pounds inside a refrigerated shipping container from Ecuador, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In December 2013, customs ofTicers found 128 pounds of cocaine in two duffel bags inside a container from Panama. The latest discovery occurred Aug. 4, when ofTicers conducting a routine inspection found anomalies in the stacks of lumber in a container from Brazil, authorities said. The ofTicers found two gym bags with 57 bricks of
philippines Customs to implement ‘no-break, no holiday’ policy tarting next month, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) will implement a “nobreak, no-holiday” policy in anticipation of more crowded ports for the Christmas season. Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina said working hours at all ports nationwide will be from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. with no noon breaks during weekdays. The BOC will also not take regular holidays so as to not miss any business day. “We will exhaust all means for an improved customs service delivery to a higher level committed to reducing inefficiencies and delay. We intend for the ‘ber-months’ to pass by smoothly without any reports of port congestion,” Lina said in a statement. “There will be no regular nonworking holidays for us in the bureau leading to Christmas,” he added. Division chiefs will be in charge of the employees’ schedule to make sure there are no interruption in BOC’s services.
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a white powdery substance that authorities said tested positive for cocaine. Authorities estimate it is worth more than $4m. The amount is large for Baltimore, but a drop in the bucket compared with drug seizures elsewhere, such as along nation's southwestern border, said Stephen Sapp, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Bor-
der Protection. Dianna Bowman, the agency's area director for port of Baltimore, said, "Narcotics interdiction remains a top Customs and Border Protection enforcement priority, and this case illustrates how CBP ofTicers leverage nonintrusive imaging technologies to intercept dangerous drugs and to help keep our communities safe."
Nigerian Customs seizes N45b smuggled poultry products
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igeria Customs Operation Hawk Descend has seized over N45 billion poultry products smuggled into the country since the launch of the operation in July. This is contained in a statement signed by Customs Public Relations OfTicer, Mr Wale Adeniyi, at the weekend in Abuja, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He said that Hawk Descend was Federal Operations Units of the customs that was launched in July 2015 Adeniyi said in the statement that
duty paid value was the highest recorded since the launch of the operation. According to the breakdown of the seizures; Ogun Command quantity of seizure is 6, 565 cartons and duty paid value is N2, 937,441.00 “Federal Operation Unit (FOU) A (Lagos) quantity of seizure is 1,395 cartons and duty paid value is N7, 533,000.00.” “FOU B (Kaduna) quantity of seizure is 6,000 cartons and duty paid value is N35,000,000 and the total quantity is 13,960 cartons value at N 45,470,441,’’ Adeniyi said.
Hong Kong Customs presents certificates to three new HKAEO T
he Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) presented certificates to three companies in a ceremony to recognise their compliance with the accreditation criteria under the Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator (HKAEO) Programme for extra clearance facilitation. With the three newly accredited companies, the number of HKAEOs has increased to 28 since the formal launch of the Programme in April 2012. The members include multinational companies, local manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises engaging in importing/exporting, manufacturing, freight forwarding, terminal operating and warehouse operating business. Being the trusted partners of the C&ED along the international supply chain, they are entitled to clearance facilitation benefits such as less inspection or prioritised clearance. The development of authorised economic operator (AEO) programmes has become a global
trend. A large number of economies, including most of Hong Kong’s principal trading partners, have rolled out their programmes and some of them have established mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs) among themselves. Under an MRA, AEOs of both signatory economies can enjoy clearance benefits provided by the other side. Currently, the C&ED has ratified MRAs with the Customs administrations of the Mainland, India, Korea, Singapore and Thailand, among which the MRAs with the Mainland, Korea and Singapore are in full implementation. The C&ED is in the process of discussing MRAs with Malaysia and Japan Customs and will take active steps to develop MRAs with other principal trading partners of Hong Kong including the European Union with a view to bringing more business opportunities to local import, export and logistics industries, thereby helping to sustain Hong Kong’s long-term economic development.
iranian Customs official to promote export instead of import
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xpediency Council Chairman Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in Tehran on Sunday called for planning to promote exports while controlling imports, İrna reported. 'Instead of paying attention to imports, plans should be made for increasing exports,' Rafsanjani told a group of ofTicials of the Customs Administration. Rafsanjani said Iran en-
joying rich resources, especially efTicient workforce, has the capacity to promote exports. He underlined importance of trade in boosting production and increasing the coefTicient of mental security of the society to procure necessary goods and said trade has two pillars, namely exports and imports, and their legal promotion is sign of economic health of the country.
Turkey-eu Customs union to expand strong trade ties
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ANKARA
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urkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci and European Commissioner of Trade Cecilia Malmström have recently announced Turkey and the European Union’s joint ambition to modernize and ex-
pand the 20-year-old Customs Union (CU). This intention of deepening bilateral economic relations has become an urgently necessary consolidation of the CU to prevent a disruption between Turkey and the EU due to institutional weaknesses in the ex-isting trade accord. While the political accession negotiations between Turkey and the
EU have been stagnant over the past years, economic cooperation has steadily improved, particularly after Turkey joined the CU. Today, the EU is Turkey’s number-one import and export partner; mean-while, Turkey ranks seventh in the EU’s top import and Tifth in export markets. Additionally, over the past Tive years, the EU has accounted for 75 percent of
the total foreign direct in-vestments (FDI) to Turkey. Looking at the status quo, it may seem at Tirst that a stagnation of political integration, on the one hand, and Tlourishing economic relations, on the other, are acceptable means to maintain bilateral relations between Turkish and European politicians in power.
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HK port container traffic falls 9.4% to 8.36m TEUs in H1 HONG KONG: Container traffic at the port of Hong Kong, China in January-June 2015 decreased by 9.4% compared to the same period in 2014 and totaled 8.36 million TEUs, the Port Authority said. Shipsments of export/import and empty containers through the largest Kwai Tsing terminal dropped by 10.3% to 6,64 million TEUs, container traffic at other terminals fell 5.7% to 1,7 million TEUs. Port of Hong Kong is one of the busiest container ports in the world. In 2014, overall container throughput at the Port of Hong Kong reached 22.27 million TEUs. The port is able to receive and handle 456,000 ships a year.
Global Ports Investments PLC announces appointment of Vladislav Baumgertner as CEO lobal Ports Investments PLC announces the appointment of Vladislav Baumgertner as Chief Executive Officer effective from today, August 17. He succeeds Alexander Nazarchuk who has decided to step down from the role but will continue to serve on the Board of Global Ports as a Non-Executive Director. Global Ports Investments PLC is the leading operator of container terminals in the Russian market. Global Ports’ terminals are located in the Baltic and Far East Basins, key regions for foreign trade cargo flows. Global Ports operates five container terminals in Russia (Petrolesport, First Container Terminal, UstLuga Container Terminal and Moby Dik in the Russian Baltics, and Vostochnaya Stevedoring Company in the Russian Far East) and two container terminals in Finland3 (Multi-Link Terminals Helsinki and Multi-Link Terminals Kotka). Global Ports also owns inland container terminals Yanino Logistics Park and Logistika-Terminal, both located in the vicinity of St. Petersburg, and has a 50% stake in the major oil product terminal AS Vopak E.O.S. in Estonia.
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indian Customs officer found dead at Jawaharlal Nehru port he officer, Rishi Ranjan, was posted as a customs appraiser at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Navi Mumbai. A customs officer, who was under suspension for alleged dereliction of duty, was found dead on the railway tracks between Panvel and Kharghar stations early Saturday evening. While the cause of his death is yet to be determined, the police suspect that he committed suicide. The officer, Rishi Ranjan, was posted as a customs appraiser at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Navi Mumbai. According to the Government Railway Police, a local train motorman spotted his body lying on the tracks at 6.30 am Saturday and notified the railway control room, which then alerted the Panvel station. An officer at the Panvel police station said Ranjan’s customs ID card helped establish his identity. The 32-year-old got married three months ago and lived with his wife and parents in Kharghar.
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Ports & Shipping
Wednesday August 19, 2015
mississippi ports get $3.8m for upgrades, repairs and maintenance JACKSON
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he Mississippi Transportation Commission has awarded $3.8 million in grants to seven of the state’s ports for upgrades, maintenance and repairs. The work ranges from upgrading rail lines, improving docks, repairing roofs and general cleanup. It was welcome news for Mark McAndrews, director of the Port of Pascagoula, which abuts the Pascagoula River at the Gulf of Mexico. Pascagoula’s facility lost the use of one of its docks in a 2013 Tire that destroyed an adjacent freezer. The dock at terminal 1-A has been out of service since the Tire, McAndrews said. The $950,000 the port will get — which is the largest of the seven awards — will bring that dock back into service. McAndrews said work should begin within 120 days, after demolition of the freezer, which held poultry for export until the Tire. To go with poultry, the port’s primary export is lumber and craft liner board. Most imports are pipes and similar commodities, McAndrews said. The work will get the port back to its pre-Tire allotment of 10 operating docks, he added. “It won’t rebuild the freezer, but it’ll allow us to use that dock again because right now it’s not safe to use,”
McAndrews said. Improvising without the dock has not been easy, McAndrews said. Ships and barges have to be tied at an adjacent dock, which can cause congestion and delays. “It’s not a very efTicient operation,” McAndrews said. “This will allow us to continue to handle large volumes of mostly Mississippi-originated products.” Relieving congestion is also on the agenda at the Lowndes County Port. That facility on the TennesseeTombigbee Waterway will use a little more than $504,000 to upgrade and extend an existing rail spur along its east bank. The port matched $20,000 to secure the grant. The money will extend the spur 200 feet, said port director Will Sanders. “We need the extra room to
unload trucks,” Sanders said. Work at the Lowndes County facility, which counts coal and limestone as its primary imports and products from Columbus steel mill Severstal as its main export, will start next year, Sanders said. A dozen ports made grant requests totaling more than $8 million for the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s multi-modal grant program. The agency had allocated $3.8 million for the Tiscal year. “Mississippi’s ports and waterways system helps move local goods and services to the rest of the country, and even internationally,” read a joint statement from Transportation Commissioners Mike Tagert, Dick Hall and Tom King.
Oman’s Sohar Port focuses on GCC rail integration MUSCAT
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man’s Sohar Port and Freezone is working “at full steam” to ensure the industrial port and adjoining freezone are integrated with the national and GCC rail networks, a senior executive has said. Edwin Lammers, executive commercial manager, said the planned introduction of rail corridors along the gateway’s main cargo terminals will give Sohar Port a significant advantage over other wellestablished regional ports, which have relatively congested cargo terminals that do not allow any large-scale incorporation of rail infrastructure. Lammers told Oman Daily Observer: “We believe on-dock rail facilities will give us a major advantage over other main ports around us. “Towards this end, we are trying to determine how we can connect our terminals to the rail network, thereby enabling the transportation of containers, cars, dry bulk cargo, and other such freight, by rail. “The ultimate goal is to bring the rail network as close to the terminals as possible, to eliminate the need for intermediate logistics which have the potential to ratchet up freight costs,” Lammers added. Sohar Port has been working with Oman Rail to ensure its gateway is suitably equipped for rail operations. “We are in regular discussion with Oman Rail to ensure that the alignment they have in mind allows for, among other things, a smooth interface between the port, freezone and other stakeholders in the area, the required rights of way are in place,” Lammers said.
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Australian shipment exports fall 4% in H1 of 2015
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CANBERRA
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ustralian sheepmeat exports fell 4% in the Tirst half of 2015, driven by a drop in mutton shipments and despite an increase in volume shipments of lamb, according to AHDB. The organisation for the English beef and sheep industry (AHDB) said
that lamb exports from Australia in the Tirst half of 2015 reached 124,300t – up 5% on the same period in 2014. This, it says, follows higher than expected production in Australia as dry weather has led to increased slaughterings. Volumes going to the US, Australia’s largest lamb market, increased by a Tifth to 26,900t; this, AHDB says, means 22% of Australian lamb exports have gone to the US in
the Tirst half of the year – up from 19% in 2014. Shipments to China meanwhile fell by 12% as high domestic production and the slowing economy in China led to reduced import demand, according to AHDB. Exports to the EU were down by 20%, with the UK taking almost 80% of the EU total, it says. Volumes going to the United Arab Emirates, Papua New Guinea and Jordan all increased AHDB says – up by 9%, 52% and 34%
respectively. In contrast to the increase in shipments of lamb from Australia, volumes of mutton exported in the Tirst half of 2015 fell by 14% to 82,000t, it says. According to AHDB this is due to production of mutton in the Tirst half of the year falling and the largest fall came from the largest market for Australian mutton, China, where volumes were down by more than a third at 18,800t.
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NAB recovered Rs 263.89b embezzled amount since inception SLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights was on Monday apprised that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has recovered total embezzled amount of Rs 263.898 billion since its inception till June 30. The committee, which met here with Muhammad Javed Abbasi in the chair, was informed that the Bureau had received 279,332 cases till June 30 , 279,065 of them had been processed so far and 267 complains were pending.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
CUSTOMS BULLETIN
Customs Central Region collects Rs 7.684 billion in July 2015 LAHORE
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ustoms Central Region collected Rs 7,684 million during the Tirst month of July in the Tinancial year 2015-16 against Rs 7052 million of last year, ofTicial data showed. According to data Customs Lahore Appraisement collected Rs 3406.90 million against Rs 2612 during the same period last year. Customs Lahore Preventive recovered Rs 1835 million against Rs 2314 million during the same period last year . On the other hand Customs Multan collected Rs 2191 million during July 2015-16 against Rs 1849 million during the same period last year while customs Faisalabad collected Rs 250 million against Rs 276 million during the same period last Tinancial year. The collectorate, however, have yet not been provided targets from the FBR. Meanwhile, Customs officers on Monday bid farewell to director Post Clearance Audit (PAC) as he has been transferred to Directorate Customs Investigation and Intelligence Lahore. Saud Imran Ahmad was transferred on Sunday to Customs Intelligence as director from PCA Lahore.
ANF recovers 109kg charas and 5kg heroine, arrests four T
PESHAWAR
NADir kHAN
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he Anti-Narcotics Force Peshawar, in separate crackdowns, arrested four persons and recovered 109 kilogram of charas, and Tive kilogram heroine. During Tirst incident ANF Peshawar in routine checking and search of a Toyota Hiace No TL-783 near New Toll Plaza, Indus Highway, Kohat, recovered 57.6 kilograms of charas hidden in secret cavities made under the Tloor of the car. An accused on board namely Zar Wali resident of Landi Kotal was also taken in to custody. In another crackdown ANF Peshawar in-
tercepted a car Honda Civic No LOF-5197 near Darband Road, Oggi Bazaar, Mansehra and recovered 9.6 kilograms of charas from the car. Two accused namely Abid Jan resident of Charsada and Sartaj Khan, resident of Mansehra were also arrested during the operation. Separately ANF Peshawar recovered Tive kilograms of heroin from personal possession of an accused Muhammad Ashraf Qureshi resident of Multan in an operation conducted near Lahore Bus Stand, Peshawar. Another raid was carried out near Hangu Phatak, Kohat and arrested a drug carrier named Muhammad Ullah resident of Kurram Agency alongwith 1.2 kilograms of charas.
ANF Peshawar Road checking team stopped a suspected Toyota Hiace near new toll plaza Indus Highway Kohat and recovered 43.2 kilograms of charas during search of the vehicle. Charas was kept in improvised cavities of the vehicle. A person on board named Amjad Khan, resident of Kurram Agency was taken into custody during the operation. As per preliminary investigation the accused was trying to smuggle the drugs to Punjab. ANF Peshawar team during road checking arrested a drug trafTicker namely Bakhtawar Khan resident of Peshawar while he was travelling on a Suzuki Mehran Car No.W-7979-Peshawar near new Toll Plaza, Indus Highway, Kohat. His arrest resulted
in recovery of 2.4 kilograms of charas. Meanwhile, The business community and exporters has appreciated the installation of electronic Weighbridge at Peshawar Dry Port and termed it a vital step for the facilitation of exporters and importers. It was the most awaited demand of the business community and importer and exporters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Customs authorities have installed a fully electronic Weighbridge at Peshawar Dry Port, Cantt Railways Station. DS Railways Peshawar also lauded the efforts of the Customs officials for the installations of the most awaited demand of the weighbridge at Customs Dry Port, Peshawar.
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