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Daily

Vol 1 Issue No. 165

Karachi, Sat August 22, 2015

ISLAMABAD

NAEEM ULLAH HAQ

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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched an advertisement campaign to persuade all the stakeholders, who are protesting against imposition of 0.3 percent withholding tax on banking transactions.

Talking to Customs Today, FBR Facilitation and Taxpayers Education (FATE) Member Nadeem Dar said that the campaign, which included advertisement and other public awareness gadgets, did not mean to annoy anyone. He said that FBR has also published thousands of brochures for awareness of the public visiting the FBR offices.

Recently, the FBR private advertisement

Price Rs. 14.00

client had distributed around 1,000 brochures in Blue area of Islamabad thorough hawkers and as many as 500 brochures were distributed among the FBR officers and staffers for awareness. The brochures carried information regarding newly imposed 0.3 percent withholding tax which was being opposed by the trader community across the country.

FBR chairman calls board’s meeting on August 24

J h a n g A S O s e i ze s s m u g g l e d w h e y p o wd e r

Pak-China nuclear cooperation to help country meet energy shortfall

ASO Hyderabad seizes smuggled Iranian diesel worth Rs 9m

Free Time at ports to be enhanced from 5 days to 8, says Kamran

FBR Chairman Tariq Bajwa has called a meeting of the FBR’s board in council | SEE pAgE 03 |

The Customs ASO of Jhang City has confiscated smuggled whey powder | SEE pAgE 02 |

PM Nawaz Sharif on Thursday noting the excellent cooperation | SEE pAgE 04 |

FBR has extended the date of submission of sales tax/federal excise duty | SEE pAgE 03 |

With an aim to facilitate the importers, Minister for Ports Shipping Kamran | SEE pAgE 09 |

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China smartphone sales drop 4% in Q2 Saturday, August 22, 2015

National

SHANGHAI: Smartphone sales in China, the world’s biggest market for the devices, fell in the second quarter for the first time, market research firm Gartner Inc said here the other day.

Sales of smartphones in China declined 4 percent in the quarter, the first yearover-year fall, the company said.

“China has reached saturation — its phone market is essentially driven by replacement, with fewer first-time buyers,” said Anshul Gupta, research director at Gartner.

Jhang Anti-Smuggling organisation seizes smuggled whey powder

pHMA rejects levy of import duty on yarn LAHORE

M HAYAt

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FAISALABAD

NAEEM SHEikH

akistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA) has rejected the idea of imposing import duty on yarn as it would pose negative impact on the value added textile goods.

PHMA chairman Usman Jawaad was reacting to a news report that the FBR was considering such a move in the name of protecting spinning sector. He strongly opposed this move and said that the PHMA stands with Pakistan Ready-made Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Pakistan Apparel Forum and all other business associations which have already expressed their resentment on the proposed move. Usman went on to say that Pakistan’s value added textiles in general and the apparel export sector in particular, are under severe pressure due to hard competition in the international market from the countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam and Cambodia.

He added that squeezing the apparel export sector will lead to decline in export earnings coupled with unemployment in the country. The GSP opportunity provided a breathing space for the apparel export sector which has performed well in the shape of increase in exports at a time when overall exports of country.

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation of Jhang City has conPiscated smuggled whey powder (food supplement) valued at Rs 705,000 involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 149,225.

According to the details, the ASO team following credible information received through Assistant Collector Model Customs Collectorate Faisalabad, Asim Awan, raided an area near Bhakar bypass, Jhang.

During the raid, the customs officials recovered Ukrainian origin whey powder on which they asked the owner namely Ghulam Muhammad to produce the documents showing the legal import of the items. But he remained fail; therefore, the ASO team confiscated the items under prevailing customs law and sent contravention report to the adjudication for further legal proceedings.

ASO team comprising Superintendent Zahid Raza Bukhari, Inspector Asghar Mehdi Naqvi, Shaukat Khan Mujuhid Abbas and others participated in the raid.

Meanwhile, The 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, HaPiz Naseer and Liaqat Ali. The customs team during a raid at SM ShaPiq 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.Meanwhile, The Customs

Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Faisalabad has seized a consignment comprising vinyl acetate, sodium sulphate, asumin-c-escamas 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.

PRA seals 10 restaurants for non-payment of sales tax MULTAN

iMrAN ALi

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unjab Revenue Authority has sealed 10 restaurants in Multan during a crackdown against defaulters of sales taxes.

The Deputy Commissioner and Additional Commissioner have

briefed the media about recent crackdown in the Multan City against tax defaulters.

Deputy Commissioner Punjab Revenue Authority Multan Region Zeeshan Nazeer Khan stated that crackdown was initiated after giving them several warning notices for the payment of taxes due against them.

Deputy Commissioner PRA, Zeeshan Nazeer Khan told that we are operating a regional camp office at Multan which was inaugurated two

months ago. Regional camp office of Punjab Revenue Authority includes the jurisdiction of Multan, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan.

He told that they have sealed 10 various restaurants in the Multan City including Eaon, BarBQ, Papa Ginos, Allah Wasaya and Mushtaq Sheedan located in the different locations. He told that they have sealed 10 various restaurants in the Multan City including Eaon, BarBQ, Papa Ginos, Allah Wasaya and Mushtaq Sheedan located in the

different locations.

Punjab Revenue Authority has not taken any action against them in the respect of holy month of Ramzan against the sales tax defaulters and PRA Multan have continuously issued notices to concern authorities to register and pay outstanding taxes as soon as possible.

Punjab Revenue Authority initiated crackdown against them in the morning exactly 9 am and continued the same operation till late night Wednesday.

Punjab Revenue Authority has made it compulsory for all restaurants to register their sales taxes with the Department for the collection of sales taxes because they came under the Punjab Revenue Authority.Additional Commissioner Raees Humayun said that Punjab Revenue Authority have run extensive campaign for the payment of sales tax to educate the taxpayers through media before taking any action and final notices were issued to defaulters.

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Solexel keens to invest capital in Saudi Arabia RIYADH: Solexel, a leading US-based producer of high-performance solar PV technology, has finalised a round of financing that included Riyadh Valley Company, the venture capital investment arm of King Saud University of Saudi Arabia.Through investor introduction services provided by naseba, the investment will be used to help transition Solexel into revenue, said a statement.Solexel’s innovative high performance, lightweight solar PV panels will deliver low cost energy, it said.

fBr to establish National Valuation Database ISLAMABAD

SHAHiD MiNHAS

Saturday August 22, 2015

National

fBr chairman calls board’s meeting on August 24

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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to establish National Valuation Database.

Sources told Customs Today that the FBR has decided to review the Customs Act 1969 and to revise the customs duty value perfectly of imported goods for which the FBR is going to establish National Valuation Database. The National Valuation Database will review the Customs Act 1969 and will remove some hurdles in it and will also improve it with the current scenario while to give perfect value to imported goods.

Sources also said the Risk Management Units established in Customs department will be improved and will be made more effective.

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customs foils bid to smuggle hawks to UAE KARACHI

wAQAr AHMED ANSAri www.customsbulletin.com

he Model Customs Collectorate at Gwadar has successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle 11 hawks to United Arab Emirates.

The prices of these hawks are in millions of rupees. Sources told Customs Today that they received credible information that 11 hawks are being smuggled to the United Arab Emirates through Jiwani. After receiving the information, a Customs Marine Squad intercepted the smugglers near Jiwani check post and seized 11 hawks while arresting two persons. Customs authorities have registered a smuggling case against accused persons. Further proceedings are underway.

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ISLAMABAD

M fAiZAN

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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Tariq Bajwa has called a meeting of the FBR’s board in council here on August 24, 2015 to chalk out plans for the current Piscal year 2015-16.

In the council’s meeting, ofPicials will analyse the various suggestions to achieve the revenue target for the Piscal year 2015-16, besides new strategies will be Pinalised.

The meeting will also discuss all the aspects of accounts regularisation scheme which might be launched to address the concerns of traders regarding the imposition of withholding tax on banking transactions. The recommendations which have been put forward by the administration wing of the FBR to stricken the accountability system; will also be included in the agenda of the meeting.

Meanwhile, Federal 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 clariPied 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 Pirst month (July) of current Piscal year 2015-16 against the collection of Rs 133.96 billion in the same month of the last Piscal year 2014-15.

As per statistics of the FBR, it generated Rs 16.245 billion net rev-

enue on the last day of July 2015 in the wake of taxes, however; in 2014

in the council’s meeting, officials will analyse various suggestions to achieve the revenue target for fiscal year 2015-16

PMSA seizes smuggled alcohol, arrests 2

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he Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) conducted a successful operation at sea and seized a large quantity of contraband items and liquor.

Sources told Customs Today that the PMSA, acting on a credible information, constituted a special team

to check the smuggling attempts. A suspicious boat was intercepted at sea while unloading the cargo at an isolated area near Makran Coast. Although taking advantage of darkness, smugglers managed to escape from the scene using small speed boats, however, two smugglers were apprehended. The apprehended high quality

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 Piscal year in July, it collected Rs 62.184 billion under the head of income tax against the collection.

Customs deploys 3 inspectors as vigilant officers he Model Customs Collectorate Islamabad has deployed three inspectors of the collectorate as duty/vigilant officers in the field, says an order issued by Deputy Collector headquarters Yawar Nawaz.

According to the notification, three inspectors, Akhtar Zaman, Muhammad Hassan and Shahrukh Butt, have been deployed at preventive division.

T liquor and arrested smugglers have been handed over to Pakistan Customs

authorities MCC Gawadar (Preventive) for further legal proceedings.

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Gas tariffs to be increased by 6% from next month: minister Saturday, August 22, 2015

Business

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that the government has decided to increase gas tariff by five to six per cent from next month, however, the domestic consumers would be exempted from this hike. He said while giving a briefing to the media on the Turkmenistan-AfghanistanPakistan-India (Tapi) gas pipeline project. The minister said that the groundbreaking of the multi-billion dollar project was expected to be held on Dec 25 and the 1,800kilometre pipeline would be completed in three to four years. He said the transit fee would be paid to Afghanistan by India, and not Pakistan.

pak-china nuclear cooperation to help country meet energy shortfall

KARACHI

KARACHI

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rime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Thursday noting the excellent cooperation between Pakistan and China in peaceful use of nuclear energy said it would help the country meet its energy shortfall.

Inaugurating the concrete pouring ceremony of the Nuclear Power Plant-II, the Prime Minister said he was pleased to note the pace of

tDAp organises seminar to educate food exporters KARACHI

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ith the aim to educate exporters of food items, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has organised a seminar. According to an official statement, the seminar was also arranged for the exhibitors participating in the World Food exhibition in Moscow in September.

Pak-Russia Business Council Chairman Farooq Afzal gave a presentation during the seminar.

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progress as he had performed the ground breaking of Kanupp-2 and Kanupp-3 in Nov 2013.

The event was attended by Governor, Chief Minister Sindh and Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

He said the event was signiPicant as it showed the close collaboration between Pakistan and China in all areas, particularly in the Pield of peaceful use of nuclear energy.

He said it was during his previous government that Pakistan and China initiated cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear power through the construction of Chashma Nuclear-I.

He said it was the continuity of this cooperation that has led to addition of more nuclear power plants in the country with the Chinese cooperation. He said under the China National Nuclear Corporation Chashma III and IV would start producing 630 MW more electricity by next year. He said Kanupp was successfully generating electricity over the past 43 years and contributing to national economy.

Prime Minister said he was grateful to China’s Atomic Energy Authority, Export Import Bank of China and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) for its support to Pakistan. He said Pakistan’s economic

indicators were positive, investors’ conPidence has been restored, country’s image has been improved internationally and more people were getting employment as several new projects were being completed.

Prime Minister Sharif said Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) was performing its assigned duty of keeping a close watch on the nuclear power plants in the country and ensuring safe operation of nuclear facilities, according to the international standards.

He congratulated the PAEC and the PNRA for their satisfactory performance and its acknowledgement by the IAEA.

textile industry remains behind in race with regional competitors: ipr report LAHORE

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he country’s textile sector has witnessed decline in the export during the last four years as compared with its regional competitors, said a fact sheet released by the Institute for Policy Reforms on the state of textile industry.

According to the report, India,

Turkey and Vietnam have achieved signiPicant growth in textile exports.

In clothing, other countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand have edged out Pakistani exports. China continues to be the dominant exporter, with exports of textiles and clothing approaching $300 billion, compared to Pakistan’s $ 13.5 billion.

The IPR report stated that over 60 per cent of the output of the textile sector is exported. Exports of textiles showed high growth of 10 per cent annually from 2001-02 to 2010-11. Since then they have stag-

nated at under $14 billion. This is despite cumulative depreciation of 19 per cent in the value of the Pakistani Rupee and, more recently, the granting of GSP+ status by the EU. The latter has led to some diversion of exports, without raising substantially the global volume of exports.

Fact sheet pointed out that there are a number of structural factors which have adversely impacted on the industry. First, there is the persistent energy shortage. Frequent outages have limited the effective capacity and raised cost due to the resort to some self-generation.

Current account deficit decreased by 80% to $159m in July cUStoMS BULLEtiN rEport he country’s current account deficit has decreased by 80 percent to $159 million in the first month of the newly-started fiscal year of 2015-16 as compared with the last year’s $820 million.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP), the current account deficit was 0.6 percent of GDP in July as the country received the first tranche of $337 million from the United States under the CSF during last month. Remittances were recorded at $1.66 billion in July 2015 as against $1.64 billion in July 2014. The CSF is the US compensation for defence and logistics spending by Pakistan as part of the war against terrorism. The country has received nearly $13 billion in CSF reimbursements since 2001. Both exports and imports dropped in July 2015. Exports decreased to $1.76 billion from $1.91 billion in July 2014, while imports shrank to $3.5 billion from $4.0 billion. The overall external current account deficit was contained at $2.3 billion in FY15, around 27 percent lower than in FY14.The overall external current account deficit was contained at $2.3 billion in FY15, around 27 percent lower than in FY14.

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Punjab govt okays 27 development projects worth over Rs 26b LAHORE

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he Punjab government has approved development projects worth over Rs26 billion during the 6th meeting of Provincial Development Working

Party (PDWP) of ongoing Piscal year 2015-16.

The meeting, presided over by Punjab Planning and Development Board Chairman Muhammad Irfan Elahi, approved 27 projects of different sectors mainly focusing on infrastructure improvement and development. Members of Planning and Development Board, provincial secretary con-

cerned and other senior representatives of the relevant provincial departments also attended the meeting.

According to Spokesman for P&DD, the approved development schemes included Sewerage Scheme Rahimyar Khan City with Treatment Plant-construction of intermediate sewage pumping station near Niazi Colony and installation of Force Main, RY

Khan at the cost of Rs288.022 million, Internal Merit Scholarships for EE/SE students at the cost of Rs600.000 million, Taleem Sab Kay Liye (TSKL) at the cost of Rs351.524 million, restructuring/revamping and strengthening of Punjab Economic Research Institute at the cost of Rs250.000 million, establishment of Model Cattle Market Sammundri Road, Faisalabad at the cost

of Rs320.777 million, establishment of blood centre at Faisalabad with assistance of KFW at the cost of Rs388.789 million, National Blood Transfusion Service Project, Punjab at the cost of Rs276.919 million, optimising watercourse conveyance efPiciency through enhancing lining length at the cost of Rs9.316 billion, provision of laser land levellers to the farmers/ser-

vice providers on subsidised cost at the cost of Rs1.350 billion, lining of watercourses Chak No.469/GB, Sammundri, District Faisalabad at the cost of Rs34.904million, 50 overseas PhD scholarships for University of Agriculture, Faisalabad at the cost of Rs724.031 million, promotion of agriculture mechanisation in Punjab at the cost of Rs1.184 billion.

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ISLAMABAD NAEEM ULLAH HAQ www.customsbulletin.com

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n order to expedite tax collection and efficiently regulate the Customs Department’s affairs, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has prepared a comprehensive document, aiming at overcoming drawbacks prevailing in the process of tax collection and improve customs’ performance.

Talking to the Customs Today, FBR Member Human Resource Management (HRM), Khawaja Tanveer Ahmed, said that the board had prepared a comprehensive draft encompassing all regulatory and functional prospects of customs’ working inside and outside the office.

While elaborating the pros and cons of the document, he said the FBR aimed to expediting customs operations along with transparency in its affairs. The document, namely, “Key Performance Indicators and Job Descriptions (Customs Department offi-

Saturday, August 22, 2015

cers)”, would revamp the department, he claimed.

He said the document would redefine the job descriptions (JDs) of customs officials. JDs of chief collectors and other high officers would be upgraded in accordance to the needs of the hour, he said. Officers’ promotions, up-gradations, postings and demotions would be done in light of the Key Perform-

ared a fBr has prep e iv comprehens at iming document, a backs draw overcoming the process in g in il a v e r p ion and of tax collect ms’ o improve cust performance

ance Indicators and Job Descriptions described well in the documents, he said. He added that annual performance allowance would also be given to those perform outstanding and their performance evaluation had to be made in light of the newly formed document.

FBR Member HRM underscored that FBR Chairman, Trariq Bajwa and other members had taken special interest in formation of draft. They gave their full attention and provided vital feedback in order to make a comprehensive draft covering all the prospects of Pakistan Customs, he said.

Board was working on the project since last five months; he said adding that Customs Department had already approved the document.

An upward growth would be seen in the Customs Department’s performance with the implementation of this document, he underscored.

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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

Beyond pakistan

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ndia and the United Arab Emirates have decided to set up a $75 billion fund to launch various infrastructure projects in India besides paving the way for an enhanced cooperation in the fields of defense production, space technology and nuclear energy. The economic and defense circles in Pakistan have so far kept a mum on the latest political and diplomatic offensive by India against Pakistan, but close India-Arab cooperation is not a new phenomenon. Since the inception of Pakistan, Arab countries, including Syria, Iraq and small Gulf States remained closeallies of India and openly shared their anti-Pakistan sentiments with each other.

During the 1971 war, Egypt was involved in providing military hardware to India while late Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat had been in the habit of calling India as his second home. Hundreds of thousands of Hindu workers are living and earning in Arab countries and they are preferred on the Muslim and Pakistani workers by the tyrant rulers. What is the status and living conditions of Muslims in India is not their concern and occupation of Kashmir is also a non-issue for them. The latest Indian offensive seems to be in response to Pakistan’s close cooperation with China.

Indian Prime Minister NarendraModiwas involved in the wholesale massacre of Muslims in Gujrat State and he has been elected PM on the power of anti-Muslim vote.

But UAE has interests in India and hostility about Pakistan as the development of Gwadar as free port will severely affect businesses in Gulf States. There is an alleged Indian-Gulf states nexus on the issue of Balochistan where both are involved in fanning insurgency. During his speech in Dubai, Modi took veiled digs at Pakistan, asking the world powers to ‘unite against terrorism’. India has recently set free the culprits who were involved in SamjohataExpress tragedy and is fanning separatism in Balcohistan. India is wild in spreading money among antiPakistan elements to oppose the construction of KalabaghDam and create controversies about the proposed Pak-China Economic Corridor. Modi has proudly said in Dubai that the UAE has supported India’s candidature for permanent membership at the UN Security Council.

It is the time the Pakistani rulers should open their eyes and call an explanation from the UAE about the latest agreements with India.

The government should also raise the issue of UAE’s interference in Balochistan affairs.

waiting for economic woes T

LAHORE

Dr AftAB AfZAL

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here is much ado about piling up circular debts in the country, but debt servicing is another area of concern to deal with as it is becoming a snowball for the fragile economy amid unending quest of the government for more and more loans from international lending agencies. The successive governments in Pakistan have always preferred short term measures to finance persistent budget deficit, ignoring the fact that strings of long term troubles are always attached with ad hoc measures. As a result, consistent borrowings are leading to accumulation of internal and external debts with every

passing year. According to newspapers reports, the country has sustained budget deficit of $80 billion between 2008 and 2015, thanks to ill-conceived policies of the previous Pakistan People’s Party government. This situation points out a bitter reality that the country is put to live beyond its means as it has suffered trade deficit of $130 billion during the last seven years.

The total public debts have reached $110 billion in 2015 from $6 billion in 2008, indicating that the PML-N government is not different in any way from its predecessors.

Since the current government has assumed the office, the public debt has registered a raise of $2.7 billion from $14 billion in June 2013 to $17 billion in

March 2015. So far, remittances sent by Pakistani expatriates are a major source of income to neutralize the effects of trade deficit.

Hopefully, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government will not tax the money otherwise collapse of the economy will be a fait accompli.

The government has earned $1.7 billion from the sale of its shares in banks and public sector organizations and received $1.5 billion ‘gift’ from Saudi Arabia to bolster the economy to some extent. However, the domestic debts have been increased by $8.7 billion and foreign debits by $2.2 billion since then. The country is likely to face the issue of debt servicing in the near future as the exports have slowed down and efforts to in-

crease tax net are backfired.

The government is not in a position to pay interest on domestic loans from its tax revenue and has to take more loans to fulfill its obligations regarding the disbursement of profit even on national saving schemes.

Another option for the government is to print new currency notes, a step which will increase inflation.

The government is looking for bail out packages, one after the other, from the International Monetary Fund and other donor agencies, which not only cost economic development, but also invite more risks to the national security. The government should learn from Bangladesh and Vietnam which rose from ashes and are emerging as economic giants.

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Contraband cheese makers held in Russia MOSCOW: Russian police have arrested an international criminal gang for producing contraband cheese worth some $30 million using banned Western ingredients.

Russian officials are currently waging war against produce from the West prohibited under a year-old embargo introduced in retaliation for sanctions on Moscow over Ukraine.

Authorities earlier this month started bulldozing piles of cheese, peaches and even frozen geese after President Vladimir Putin ordered the destruction of food smuggled in illegally.

Now police in the Moscow region say they have arrested six people for producing cheese worth some $30 million using 470 kilogrammes (1,000 pounds) of banned Western rennet, a substance containing enzymes used for cheese production.

Free Time at ports to be enhanced from 5 days to 8, says Kamran ith an aim to facilitate the importers, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Kamran Micheal says his ministry would soon increase the Free Time at Karachi ports from present 5 days to either 8 or 10 days.

In this regard, a final negotiation would be held with the leaders of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FPCCI) before making an announcement, he stated while addressing the business leaders at Federation House on Thursday.

The issue was brought before the federal minister by the FPCCI leader Tariq Haleem who demanded that the Free Time of that 2003 should be restored. However, the minister said he would like to negotiate with the business community and later reach on final decision.

The Gwadar Port is being given much importance and at least 6 flights are being flown to the port every week.

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COPHCL briefs FPCCI on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor ith a detailed presentation beginning from the past history and up to the future of Gawadar port, the China Overseas Ports Holding Company Pvt Ltd (COPHCL) has briefed the business leaders of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries on multi-billion Pakistan China Economic Corridor. A number of business leaders headed by FPCCI President Mian Muhammad Idress, lauded the presentation presented by Chief Executive Officer China Overseas Ports Holding Company Pvt Ltd Zeng Qingson and the company’s Head of Marketing Aamir Khan. Zeng Qingson said China is one of the Pakistan’s largest trading partners and the two-way trade exceeded $ 16 billion last year 2014-15.

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Saturday August 22, 2015

Chambers

pak, Nigerian businessmen urged to raise bilateral trade volume LAHORE

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igh Commissioner of Nigeria Dauda Danladi has said that the low volume of bilateral trade demands extra ordinary efforts from the businessmen of the two countries.

He was speaking at a meeting here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Thursday. The LCCI Executive Committee Members were also present on the occasion.

Nigerian High Commissioner has urged the Pakistani entrepreneurs to explore the huge untapped potentials in Nigeria.

He invited the Pakistani businessmen to enter into joint ventures with their Nigerian counterparts in the Pields of agriculture, textile and manufacturing.

He said that easing of visa process between the two countries could increase the bilateral trade in

shortest possible time.

Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI President Ijaz A. Mumtaz said that Pakistan does consider the value of strengthening the trade and economic relations with Nigeria keeping in view the big market of Africa. Referring to recently concluded D8 Summit, both the sides need to make all out efforts to increase mutual cooperation for each

other’s benePits.

He said that Pakistan and Nigeria are also members of Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and have friendly and strong diplomatic relations. Other than maintaining steady trade relations, Pakistan has been greatly contributing in fulPilling the defence requirement of Nigeria. “Nigeria is one of the major member states of African Union. It is

Marvi urges business community to support poor people

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SIALKOT

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enazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Chairperson Marvi Memon on Thursday said that the PML-N government was striving to rehabilitate the poor, besides urging the business community to come forward to support the marginalised segment of society.

She was addressing a meeting of exporters held at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

SCCI President Fazal Jillani, Senior Vice President Mir Alamgir Meyer, Vice President Malik Naseer Ahmed and Chairman Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PGMEA) Muhammad Younas were also present.

Marvi Memon asked the business

community to come forward and provide jobs to the poor in factories after giving them necessary training of advanced skills.

She said this would also help to overcome shortage of skilled labour. She said the BISP had initiated close liaison with the business community and it had been started from the SCCI. “Let us start this revolution from Sialkot and soon it would spread to other chambers of commerce and industry”, she added. “It was time to do good deeds together.”

Marvi Memon said the PML-N government had increased budget of the BISP from Rs 40 billion to Rs 102 billion annually.

She said the government was making all-out sincere efforts to assist the poor by providing them Pinancial aid of Rs 1,500 per family

per month with full respect.

Marvi said the BISP was a journey of light and success, and it would continue with active cooperation of the business community.

This has also been initiated from the SCCI, he added.

Marvi Memon said the BISP had become hallmark of the country globally. It had also become the Pifth among leading social welfare programmes in the world, she added.

She said the BISP was also giving an economic boost to women of poor families besides proving itself as a milestone towards the goal of highlighting a practical role of women in the national development process.

The Chairperson said the BISP had been providing Pinancial assistance to 5.1 million poor families in the country.

classiPied as an emerging market rapidly approaching to middle income status”, the LCCI president added.

He said that the Nigerian Stock Exchange is the second largest in Africa Continent and poised to champion the acceleration of Africa’s economic development.

However, this relationship has not been translated into tangible economic ties because Nigeria unfortunately does not Pigure prominently among the trading partners of Pakistan.

Ijaz A. Mumtaz said that the downward trend in exports of Pakistan to Nigeria and overall downfall in bilateral trade is a matter of concern. “We need to Pind reasons of this trend and also take measures to turn around the situation”, he added. Major export items from Pakistan to Nigeria are medicament mixtures, cotton fabrics, woven fabric of synthetic Piber, tractors, garments, and electro-medical apparatus etc. Items of imports from Nigeria to Pakistan comprise cotton, raw hides & skins, pharmaceutical products and articles of rubber etc.

KCCI slams upward revision of K-Electric’s tariff for residential consumers resident of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra has vehemently criticized the government for giving go ahead to KElectric to raise its electricity tariffs for residential consumers which varies from 19 percent to 30 percent under various slabs for residential consumers and has become effective from July 14, 2015.

“This unjust hike appeared in KElectric bills received during the month of August which came as a shock for everyone, particularly the poor and middle-class segments of society, he added.

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Saudi Customs nabs Kuwaiti with 25,000 bullets, firearms Saturday August 22, 2015

World

RIYADH: Customs officers at Al- Khai border checkpoint in Saudi Arabia arrested a Kuwaiti citizen in possession of firearms and 25,000 bullets, reports Al-Shahed daily. According to sources, the citizen left Kuwait via Al-Nuwaiseeb border checkpoint and his vehicle was checked at Al-Khai border checkpoint where the customs officers found the firearms and ammunition in a secret compartment inside the vehicle.

When questioned, he admitted that he was planning to sell the contraband to an individual in Saudi Arabia.

The suspect was referred to the concerned authorities for necessary legal action against him. Meanwhile, in the framework of efforts exerted by the Ministry of the Interior to collect unlicensed weapons, ammunition and explosives during the national campaign, the Weapons Investigation Department.

wigan council trading Standards Companies see team seized illegal cigarettes opportunities from new US oil, gas regulations T

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housands of pounds worth of illegal cigarettes have been seized following a sniffer dog raid at a town centre shop.

Wigan Council’s Trading Standards team executed a warrant on the premises on Leigh Road in Leigh which saw an illegal stash of 4,000 cigarettes and 1.7kg of tobacco being seized.

A warrant has also been executed at an address at Irvine Street, Leigh in relation to the same raid.

A trained sniffer dog was used to Pind the tobacco which was hidden in a purpose built concealed cupboard under the counter in the shop.

Some of the tobacco is suspected to be counterfeit and is now being examined. Councillor Kevin Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Environment

Major Uk oil producer EnQuest confident despite loss nQuest, the largest UK independent oil producer in the North Sea, suffered a heavy half-year loss due to falling oil prices.

The London-listed company with offices in Aberdeen, Malaysia and Dubai reported a pre-tax loss of $34.6 million (£22.09m) for the six months to June 30 due to impairments and other exceptional items.

During the same period in 2014 it made a profit of $78.6m (£50.18m).

Revenue fell 12% to $444m (£283.45m) due to the falling price of oil which in the last year is down more than 50% to less than $50 (£31.90) a barrel. EnQuest said a hedging programme – a risk-management transfer strategy to deal with commodity price fluctuations – offset some of the losses. It also reduced its capital expenditure plans and renegotiated banking covenants.

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said: “The trade in illegal tobacco is appalling and threatens livelihoods, putting legitimate retailers out of business, as they cannot possibly compete with the shops who are selling illegal products.”

Julie Middlehurst, Group Manager Regulation said: “We will continue to crack down on illegal sales of tobacco and other counterfeit

goods in the area. It is not a victimless crime as illegal sales can be a danger to health and have been found to get into the hands of children. We are grateful for the valuable leads we receive from local residents and urge people to come forward with information on any suspicious activity and together we can stop these illegal sales.”

Taiwan police seize 138kg amphetamine in tuna fish

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nvestigators and police in Kaohsiung have busted a drug smuggling operation that used shipping containers, discovering 138 kilograms of amphetamine hidden among frozen tuna that was about to be exported to Japan from Kaohsiung Port, the Investigation Bureau under the Ministry of Justice (MJIB) said here the other day.

The seizure is the largest of its kind in terms of volume that the MJIB has ever seized in a shipping container going from Taiwan to

Japan, the bureau said in a statement. Acting on a tipoff that a Pingtung County-based refrigeration company could be using frozen tuna to smuggle drugs to Japan, MJIB investigators stationed in southern Taiwan and Kaohsiung Port police raided a freighter docked at the port’s Pier 63 along with customs ofPicials and district prosecutors Tuesday. They opened two cargo containers loaded with frozen tuna that were set to be shipped to Shimizu and discovered.

he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to crack down on methane leaks from the oil and gas industry left some green groups wanting more and industry warning of unnecessary regulation.

But a few dozen companies and some labor groups welcomed rollout of the EPA’s proposed regulations because they will create demand for new technologies and jobs focused on preventing leaks of methane and other pollutants.

“The methane mitigation industry offers readily deployable, American-made technologies that can support a solution that is a true win-win for both the environment and the oil and gas supply chain,” said Patrick Von Bargen, director of the Center for Methane Emissions Solutions, a newly formed trade group representing technology firms and service providers focused on detecting and preventing those leaks.

The proposed rules for new and modified oil and gas facilities are part of a broader Obama adminis-

canada wholesale trade rebounds in June, rising 1.3%

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he value of Canadian wholesale trade rebounded in June after a drop in May, rising 1.3 per cent on broad strength across most of the economy, Statistics Canada said on Thursday. The increase exceeded the 1.0 per cent advance forecast by market analysts. Statscan revised May’s month-on-month fall to 0.9 per cent from an initial decline of 1.0 per cent.

Higher sales were recorded in Pive

US court sentences three smugglers to jail

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hree people were sentenced to prison here the other day for their roles in an eight-year long undocumented people smuggling operation, a Department of Justice news release states.

Homero Gonzalez-Carranza, 30, pleaded guilty to leading the smuggling operation and was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison, the release states. He is undocumented and will be deported after his sentence. Eduardo Luis Pompa, 26, was convicted on smuggling charges after a two-day trial determined he served as a lookout for

tration strategy to cut methane emissions from the sector by 40 percent to 45 percent below 2012 levels in the next 10 years.

Methane is the main component of natural gas, but when it is released into the atmosphere, it becomes a greenhouse gas that is more potent than the more prevalent carbon dioxide.

A report released Tuesday by Colorado State University said the EPA has underestimated the amount of natural gas wasted after it is collected and gathered from well sites across the country. It said around 100 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year seeps out during the process, at a cost of $300 million.

The EPA estimates the capital costs of the proposed rule would be around $280 million to $330 million in 2025. Industry groups said Tuesday companies were being saddled with new “costly” regulations even as methane emissions from hydraulic fracturing have declined amid rising production levels.

the operation. He was sentenced to more than 5 years in prison.

Pompa, of Houston, was arrested July 14, 2014, when agents intercepted the ring smuggling 57 undocumented people from the Rio Grande Valley to Houston. Lisa Quintanilla, 46, also was believed to have served as a lookout for the operation, the release states. The Pre-

sub sectors in June, representing 86 per cent of wholesale sales. The biggest driver was the motor vehicle and parts category, which climbed 3.0 per cent from May. After two consecutive declines, sales in the personal and household goods sector rose by 2.2 per cent to hit a new record. The miscellaneous sector, which includes agricultural supplies and chemical products.

mont native was sentenced to more than two years in prison.

Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced this week that 29-year veteran CBP/DHS executive Bradd Skinner has become the new permanent Assistant Director, Field Operations for Trade Operations at Laredo Field Office.

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Iran looking to increase petro exports to 25% in 2016 TEHRAN: Iran is looking to increase its petrochemical exports by around 25% by the end of 2016 after a lifting of western sanctions.

The country’s export sector was significantly hit by banking and shipping restrictions following sanctions imposed by US and European Governments, and the United Nations in 2012. Sanctions will be soon lifted in the wake of the recently signed nuclear deal between Iran and world powers led by the US.“We expect our exports of petrochemical products to increase by 20% to 25% in a short time.”

Notebook oDMs expected to see growths in August shipments otebook ODMs are expected to see significant on-month growths in August shipments and some makers may even achieve more than 50% growth.

Since shipments will grow further in September, the makers are expected to be able to achieve better thirdquarter shipments than in the second, according to sources from the upstream supply chain. Quanta Computer, Compal Electronics and Wistron suffered around 20-30% onmonth shipment declines in July, and only Inventec achieve growth thanks to Acer and Asustek Computer’s new 2-in-1 device orders. The sources believe back-to-school demand plus vendors’ aggressive promotions at the end of the quarter will help overall notebook shipments grow over 20% in September. The sources pointed out that brand vendors have stopped pulling in orders and have been clearing their inventories since the second quarter.

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Govt improve rates for various services extended at ports in State he government has revised the rates for various services extended at the minor and intermediate ports in the State. The Infrastructure and Investment Secretary issued a GO here on Wednesday enhancing the fees for various licences- Steamer Agency Licence, Stevedoring, Ship handling, Surveyors, Hazardous waste oil, Bunkering, Ship Repairs and Pest Control. He also issued a GO enhancing the rates of Landing and Shipping fees leviable at the port of Rawa in East Godavari district. Accordingly the rates for crude oil cargo were increased from Rs.30 per metric tonne to Rs.40 per metric tonne. The enhanced rates would become payable after one month from the date of publication on the notification in the Andhra Pradesh Gazettle, according to the GOs.

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Ports & Shipping

Saturday August 22, 2015

Automakers divert shipments from tianjin to Shanghai port after blasts WELLINGTON

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ort of Tauranga’s annual proPit growth has slowed to 1 percent as log export volumes declined – leaving total export volumes unchanged.

ProPit was $79.1 million in the 12 months ended June 30, from $78.3m a year earlier, the company said on Thursday. Operating revenue rose to $268.5m from $266.5m and proPit met the guidance it gave in February.

New Zealand’s biggest port for commodity exports has extended its reach across the nation, aiming to become the pre-eminent hub serving what is expected to be fewer visits by larger ships in the future.

It will soon deepen the Tauranga harbour channel to allow the next generation of 6500 TEU (20-foot equivalent unit) ships. In the latest year, the number of containers crossing Tauranga’s wharves rose 12 percent to 851,106 TEUs. Total export volumes were unchanged at 13.3m tonnes. Strong rises in dairy, meat, kiwifruit and general freight were offset by falls in logs, sawn timber, apples, onions and steel. Imports rose 8 percent to 6.9m tonnes, driven by a 55 percent jump in cement to 165,503 tonnes, which the company said rePlected the strength of the local construc-

tion industry.

Car volumes more than doubled to 11,607 units. General cargo rose 22 percent to 3.2m tonnes, although imports of grain fell 13 percent, bulk liquids dropped 6 percent and coal imports tumbled almost 100 percent.

Chief executive Mark Cairns says trade volumes are expected to be slightly higher in 2016 with log exports recovering and an increase in kiwifruit and container trade. However, with the low dairy payout, fertiliser and dairy food supplement volumes are expected to decrease.

Port of Tauranga expects dredging on the Tauranga harbour to start in October and it expects to have the infrastructure in place to handle 6500 TEU ships in late 2016. Con-

tainer volumes are forecast to exceed 1m TEUs in 2017.

Meanwhile, The seaports in the North Sea Canal Area, which includes the ports of Amsterdam, IJmuiden, Beverwijk and Zaanstad, once again posted growth in transhipment in the Pirst half of 2015. This time transhipment rose to 51.7 million tonnes, which is a 1.3% increase compared to the same period of 2014. Port of Amsterdam is the largest port in the region and saw its transhipment grow by 0.8% to 42.4 million tonnes.

The greatest growth has been in the transhipment of oil products, a Pield in which port of Amsterdam has traditionally been strong. Transhipment grew in IJmuiden to 8.9 million tonnes (+2.7%), Zaanstad to 200,000 tonnes.

Diana Shipping to extend present time charter contract with glencore ATHENS

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iana Shipping Inc., a global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels, announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has agreed to extend the present time charter contract with Glencore Grain B.V., Rotterdam, for one of its Ice Class Panamax dry bulk vessels, the m/v Crystalia, for a period of minimum ten (10) months to maximum thirteen (13) months. The gross charter rate is US$9,000 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties. The new charter period is expected to commence on August 27, 2015. The “Crystalia” is a 77,525 dwt Ice Class Panamax dry bulk vessel built in 2014. This employment extension is anticipated to generate approximately US$2.7 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the time charter. Diana Shipping Inc.’s fleet currently consists of 41 dry bulk vessels (2 Newcastlemax, 12 Capesize, 3 PostPanamax, 4 Kamsarmax and 20 Panamax). The Company also expects to take delivery of one new-building Capesize dry bulk vessel during October 2015, one new-building Newcastlemax dry bulk vessel during the second quarter of 2016, as well as one new-building Kamsarmax dry bulk vessel and one newbuilding Newcastlemax dry bulk vessel during the third quarter of 2016.

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HHI partners with Accenture to design connected smart ship system

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outh Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Accenture, the global digital business leader, are collaborating to design a “connected smart ship system” that will connect vessel operation information, on-board equipment and

cargo status data, and port logistics information.

HHI announced that it has recently signed a collaboration agreement to design the connected smart ship with Accenture at the headquarters in Ulsan.

The connected smart ship will be developed using a combination of HHI’s smart ship technology, which was developed in 2011 for the first time, and Accenture’s dig-

ital and shipping industry experience. Also, it will manage the overall value chain of the shipping industry from maritime transportation, loading and unloading, and land transportation.

The existing smart ship focuses on improving the eco-friendliness, safety, and operation efPiciency of vessels based on its status, operation data, weather, and ocean current data. By contrast, the connected

smart ship can open a new service market by providing cargo transportation information, including vessel’s status, port and land logistics, to ship owners. The two companies will connect the Hyundai Intelligent Vessel as a Service, HHI’s on-ship platform, and the Accenture Connected Platform as a Service, Accenture’s land platform, with satellites by 2020, and work together to develop services.

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Customs Faisalabad seizes Hino truck FAISALABAD: The Customs Intelligence and Investigations has seized a Hino ranger truck, bearing registration No. AE-0326 model 1997, from Chiniot. The CIF value of the truck is around Rs 4 million. Sources told Customs Today that Additional Director Customs Intelligence and Investigations M. Ismail received a credible information about the said vehicle.After receiving the tip Additional Director M. Ismail constituted a raiding team comprising Riaz Hussain, Malik Javed Iqbal, Muhammad Tahir Iqbal Muhammad Saleem ( SIO ), Masood Iqbal, Ghulam Ghous, M. Aslam (sepoys ).

Saturday, August 22, 2015

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

Multan RTO allocated revenue target of Rs 5.39 billion for August MULTAN

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he Federal Board of Revenue has allocated revenue collection target of Rs 5.39 billion to the Regional Tax OfPice Multan for the month of August, 2015.

Almost Rs 3.38 billion sales tax collection target has been assigned from Federal Board of Revenue for the duration of August in the existing Pinancial year 2015-16.

During the month of August, the FBR has allotted the collection target for Regional Tax OfPice of Rs 1.78 billion for the collection of income tax in the Piscal year 2015-16.

The Regional tax OfPice Multan has been given the task of federal excise duty of Rs 230 million during the month of August in the existing economic year 2015-16. Generally target of Rs 5.39 billion has been assigned to the Regional Tax OfPice Multan including sales taxes, federal excise duty and incomes taxes for the month of August in the monetary year 2015-16. The Regional Tax OfPice Multan had collected Rs 4.15 billion against the set target of Rs 3.99 billion during the month of July for the Pinancial year 2015-16.

Embezzlement of Rs 76m: KP NAB to produce five suspects in court N

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AB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has arrested Gulzar-ur-Rehman, the then Divisional Forest OfPicer Chitral, presently working as Assistant Professor Forest College Peshawar, Prince Khalid Pervez, Member District Council Chitral, Noor Shahideen , Rehmat Karim and Malak Shaye, who were allegedly involved in embezzlement of Rs 76 million by depriving the genuine benePiciaries of their forest royalty in connivance with each other.

On the complaint of poor benePiciaries, NAB KP initiated an inquiry in which it was

revealed that as per the policy of forest department /the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the forest royalty should have to be distributed among the locals through Joint Forest Management Committee.

However, Noor Shahideen (private person) made a fake Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) and fraudulently made himself chairman of the committee through the active connivance of other accused persons. The accused persons later on diverted an amount of Rs 76 million through complex banking transactions and pocketed the same. NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa actively perusing the case. The accused persons will be produced before Accountability Court Peshawar for obtaining their physical remand.

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