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Karachi, Fri August 18, 2017
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he Customs, North Region, which consists of four Model Customs Collectorates including MCC Islamabad, MCC Samberial, MCC Peshawar and MCC Gilgit-Baltistan, collected extra revenue worth Rs868.88million as All Duties and
Taxes during July 1st to August 10th of Financial Year FY201718 against the 10 days of corresponding period of 2016-17. According to details explained by sources of Chief Collector that, during said period, the collectorates, working under North Region, showed 25.99 % growth against the same heads during corresponding period. The sources added that, during above said period of 01 to August 10th FY1718, the MCC Islamabad
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earned Rs1390.35million of revenue under all the heads during 10 days of July against the revenue collection valued at Rs1356.78million under the same head of corresponding period FY2016-17. The sources told CT that, during said period of FY17-18, the MCC Peshawar generated Rs1982.47million as all duties and taxes while it did Rs1343.12million during the same period of FY16-17. The sources added that the MCC Gilgit-Baltistan received Rs400.34million of revenue under all the heads during July 1st to August 10th of current Rinancial year while it got Rs330.91million during the same period of yester FY2016-17.
ASO Islamabad takes into possession contraband auto-parts on GT Road
SHC bars Customs from taking action against M/s Scorpio Enterprises
Additional Collector declares seizure of match crackers as legal
'Pakistan implementing all CPEC projects’
Customs Central Region collects Rs1168 million in first ten days
ASO impounded a large number of foreign origin smuggled steering gear | SEE pAgE 02 |
SHC has restrained the customs authorities from taking any coercive action | SEE pAgE 03 |
Additional Collector has issued Orderin-Original (ONO) No. 47/2107 declaring | SEE pAgE 04 |
Expressing satisfaction on progress of CPEC, Pakistan Ambassador to China | SEE pAgE 11 |
Customs Central Region has collected Rs1168 million customs duty (CD) | SEE pAgE 16 |
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Customs earns more FED than previous financial year Friday, August 18, 2017
ISLAMABAD: The Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Islamabad generated extra revenue valued at Rs15.54million during July Financial Year FY2017-18 under the head of Federal Excise Duty (FED) against the corresponding July FY2016-17. According to details explained by sources of MCC Islamabad that during July FY17-18, the collectorate earned Rs42.27million of FED while the MCC Islamabad did Rs26.73million under the same head during July FY16-17. Sources said that the proposed target under the head of the FED was allocated with Rs7million for July FY17-18 which was surpassed with the growth of 604%.
Islamabad
ASo Islamabad takes into possession contraband auto-parts on gT Road
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irectorate General Customs intelligence and Investigation has seized non duty paid smuggled unregistered heavy motorcycle Kawasaki Ninja, worth Rs7,000,00. According to sources special car cell received an information through informer that non duty paid smuggled Kawasaki Ninja Model 2010 (250CC) unregistered having chassis no. JLAEXMJ 18 ADA 67873 parked at the parking area, Commercial Area Bahria Town, Phase-vIII, Rawalpindi. On tip off the staff of special car cell under the supervision superintendent Saeed Ahmed including Intelligence Officer Gul Nawaz and Sepoy’s reached the hinted place and found the Kawasaki Ninja heavy motorcycle at the parking area of commercial area. Despite hectic efforts, nobody came forward to claim the ownership of motorcycle. Ultimately, after waiting more than two hours, the motorcycle was taken into custody in presence of the witnesses and was shifted to the HQs office Islamabad where the chassis of the subject motorcycle was examined and tailed with the record of import, Amnesty Scheme 2013 and auctioned vehicles available with the Directorate General Customs I&I Islamabad, but no record of the same chassis number was found existed in any data.
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he Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Islamabad impounded a large number of foreign origin smuggled steering gear assemblies and contraband lower arm suspensions on the GT Road, Chungi No: 26, Motorway Chowk. According to details given by Ansir Anees, Deputy Collector ASO Islamabad, that a tip-off was received from the Superintendent Customs (Preventive) MCC Islamabad that an attempt would be made to smuggle foreign origin miscellaneous auto parts from Gilgit by a truck with registrations No: TAE-892. She said that, after getting the said information, a raiding party was constituted which set up a picket on GT Road, Chungi No: 26. The truck was sighted coming from the Gilgit side which was signalled to stop by the Sepoys. She told CT that a thorough search of the aforementioned vehicle led to the recovery of 25 cartons of steering gear assemblies made of China weighed 475 kilogram and 25 cartons of lower arm suspensions weighed 500 kilogram. Deputy Collector told Customs Today that on demand the possessors of the smuggled goods failed to produce any proof of law-
customs seizes non duty paid kawasaki ninja from Behria Town
ful possession of recovered foreign origin auto parts adding that the customs staff seized above said auto parts and brought them to the
state warehouse. The worth of the seized goods was estimated Rs299959. The raiding party, participating in the seizure, comprised
Superintendent Arif Zaman Dar, Superintendent Abdul Malik, Inspector Abdul Hafeez and Inspector Pervaz Iqbal Goraya.
fBR to establish separate unit to boost tax revenue
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ith the aim to boost tax revenues, Federal Board of Revenue has decided to establish a separate unit by the month end. Sources said that the unit will identify new taxpayers and monitor withholding tax collection. At present, the activities of broadening the tax base has been done through existing Rield staff, who already had
other responsibilities of enforcement and audit of the existing taxpayers. Considering the importance, the government announced the establishment of new directorate to broaden the tax base in the budget 2017-18. In chief commissioners’ conference held last week, the Rinance minister has directed the FBR to focus on enhancing the number of taxpayers, besides increasing the ratio of direct taxes. Presently, the lack of tax culture is a major hindrance in narrow tax
base. The FBR identified reasons for narrow tax base, which included heavy reliance on indirect taxes; discontinuity of regular survey; the lack of proper and effective enforcement by the FBR offices; the lack of proper computerised stock register; the lack of balance between facilitation and enforcement; and the lack of capacity and motivation to utilise available information. The FBR has issued National Tax Number (NTN) to around four mil-
lion people of over 200 million in the country. As per the latest Active Taxpayers List (ATL) issued by the FBR, only 1.23 million taxpayers Riled their income tax returns for the tax year 2016. Sources in the FBR said the new directorate would have its separate enforcement and audit teams to conduct examination of available data of potential taxpayers and through Rield surveys. The new directorate would have a strategy of zero-tolerance for non-
Rilers and it would ensure enforcement of returns in the cases of all NTN holders, the sources added. The new directorate, besides available data of potential taxpayers, will also obtain records from Nadra, telecom companies, banking companies, utility providers, property registration authorities, land developers, provincial excise and taxation authorities, schools, clubs, hotels, domestic and international airlines, dividend, interest, rental income, etc, they said.
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Customs Court convicts four in tax evasion case KARACHI: Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi convicted two suspects, Ajmal and Atiq Ahmed, till rising of the court and imposed a fine of Rs 200,000 on them. Both were booked in a duty and tax evasion case of Rs 1.23 million. In default of the payment, they will suffer further one year imprisonment in Central Jail Karachi. The court also sentenced Tikam Das Khatri and Muhammad Yousaf Baig for the already undergone period (undergone confined in customs/ judicial custody). According to the prosecution, the convicts were involved in the unlawful clearance of liquor and other bonded goods through their diplomatic bonded warehouse.
court grants bail to suspect involved in mega tax evasion case
Friday August 18, 2017
K rachi
Shc bars customs from taking action against m/s Scorpio Enterprises
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ustoms Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has granted interim prearrest bail to suspect, Narisa Dharani, director of M/s Electro Polymers (Private) Limited who was booked in a mega tax evasion case. The court also issued notices to special prosecutor for the Customs Department and investigation officer and directed them to file comments on the next date of hearing. During the hearing, counsel for the accused appeared before the court and moved an application for pre-arrest bail. He argued that his client was innocent and was been falsely implicated in this case, and that the prosecution had no evidence against him.
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notification repealing nAB ordinance issued KARACHI
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he provincial government on Thursday officially ended the jurisdiction of the National Accountability Bureau Ordinance (NAO) 1999 in the province. A notification issued by the law ministry directed authorities to print the NAO 1999 repeal bill 2017. With the new law in effect, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) will now only be mandated to probe and hear cases related to the federal government’s institutions as its authority in the province will be replaced with the Sindh Accountability Commission. On July 3, the Sindh Assembly passed the ‘anti-NAB bill’, which seeks to revoke NAB’s power in the province. The bill was vehemently opposed by opposition members of the house.
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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has restrained the customs authorities from taking any coercive action against the petitioner on a constitutional petition Riled by M/s Scorpio Enterprises and General Trading, seeking release of its consignment of textile synthetic staple Riber Rilament stuff detained by customs authorities. A two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Yousaf Ali Saeed, was hearing the petition. Earlier, counsel for the Customs Department sought time to file para wise comment, therefore, the court continued interim order and adjourned the matter. On the last date of hearing, the court had restrained the Customs Department from taking any coercive action against the petitioner. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that it is engaged in the lawful import and misc items such as textile synthetic staple fibre and fabric from China and other countries, petitioner imported a consignment of textile synthetic staple fibre filament stuff and filed goods declaration according with law. According to the counsel, during the examination, officials of the customs department declared its consignment as polyester stretchable jersey (dyed) fabric of china
and hold the consignment, due to illegal action of the officials of the customs authorities, petitioner is facing heavy demurrage and detention charges which was accumulating day by day. Citing chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Collector Customs Collectorate Appraisement East, Deputy Collector Customs Collectorate Appraisement and other as respondents, counsel for the petitioner pleaded the court to direct
on the last date of hearing, the court had restrained the customs Department from taking any coercive action against the petitioner
ASo shows outstanding performance
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KARACHI
muBEEn huSSAIn
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he Collectorate of Customs Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has shown tremendous performance during the month of July. The documents received by Customs Today reveal that during the month of July the ASO made 17 seizures case and recovered a huge quantity of contraband items, including Iranian origin
high speed diesel. The ASO has also submitted its performance report to the higher authorities with details of seizures as well as the contraband items. The report also explained the details of 13 luxury vehicles, including Rive Toyota Mark X car, Toyota Surf jeep, Toyota Premio Car, 2 Toyota Hilux Surf jeep, 2 Toyota Land Cruiser jeep as well as two Toyota Axio, which were seized during different operations. The recovered contraband items also include cellular phones and tablets of
different brands, garments as well as smuggled Iranian origin High Speed Diesel (HSD) from across the city along with entry check points of the city. According to the market value in seventeen seizures of July, the Directorate General of Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&) Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) gave boost to the revenue of Rs107,884,537 in which Rs54,067,515 is said to be the duty and taxes evasion on the other hand smuggled goods worth Rs53,817,022.
them to release consignment and restrain them from taking any coercive action against it. Meanwhile, The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the customs authorities and deputy attorney general to file their respective para wise comments on constitutional petition filed by M/s Hira Terry Mills Limited, seeking exemption of customs duty and taxes, sales tax, federal excise duty and income tax in terms of export oriented units.
commissioner’s resolve dispute n the intervention of Commissioner Karachi, the 20-day long dispute between K Electric and traders of Sabzi Mandi has been resolved. This was announced in a statement from the office of Commissioner Karachi on Friday. It said that the Commissioner presided a meeting of the representatives of the two parties in which the matter
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ASO impounds two non-duty paid cars, registers cases against owners Friday August 18, 2017
Lahore
LAHORE: Collectorate of Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has impounded two non-customs paid vehicles, including Toyota Vitz. Both worth Rs 2.1 million. Sources told Customs Today that during routine patrolling, the ASO team intercepted a Toyota Vitz car bearing registration no: AAA/ 692 worth Rs 1.5 million near Shera Kot and impounded it after the owner failed to produce any legal documents. The sources said that the customs authorities have registered a case against the owner Jamal and started investigations. In another incident, the ASO team intercepted Toyota Corolla model 1994 and impounded the same as the owner failed to produce any legal documents regarding possession of the vehicle.
court extends judicial remand of the accused in cloth smuggling LAHORE
SAJID nAwAZ
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he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti Smuggling has sent two accused to jail on extension of judicial remand of 14 days. According to details two accused Rehmat Ali and Nasir Khan were arrested by the customs intelligence. After arresting the accused Customs intelligence started investigation against them and got their physical remand as well for this purpose. Customs Intelligence had also recovered huge quantity of foreign made smuggled cloths and related goods from their possession. Customs Intelligence has told the court that accused persons were involved in smuggling of cloths from
Dc declares seizure of nDp vehicle as legal eputy Collector Customs Collectorate of Adjudication has issued Order-in-Original No. 53/2017. Brief facts of the case, as reported by the Superintendent Customs Preventive ASO vide Contravention Report in case number 21/2017 issued under endorsement C.No. 01/ASO/09/2016/113 dated 17.3.2017 are that, pursuant to an information on 9.1.2017 the anti smuggling staff intercepted a Toyota Primo bearing registration no: IDS-7937 (Islamabad) near Hussain Chowk, Lahore. The person available on the driving seat claimed the ownership of the above said car and identified himself as Umar Mukhtar son of Mukhtar Ahmed. On demand the said owner failed to provide any documentary evidence showing legal import of the said intercepted car. Thereafter examination of the said car was conducted in presence of said owner and other witnesses. –CB Report
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Afghanistan to Lahore and Faisalabad via different routes. They had made a huge loss to national kitty in the wake of taxes and duties. They were involved in smuggling for long time. Amount of the recovered cloths is Rs8.3 million customs investigation has told the court. Customs investigation team presented them before the customs court and asked for their physical remand to dig out network behind this smuggling maRia. After completion of physical remand again they were produced before the court where the court sent them jail for judicial remand. Now again the Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti Smuggling has sent them to jail for further 14 days. Meanwhile, The Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has asked the investigation team of Pakistan Customs to complete the investigation challan in the case of 14 kg gold smuggling.
Additional collector declares seizure of match crackers as legal
LAHORE
m hAYAT
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dditional Collector Customs Adjudication Beelamur Ramzan has issued Orderin-Original (ONO) No. 47/2107 declaring seized match crackers as le-
gal. According to the details, staff of Custom Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization intercepted two Shahzore vehicles bearing registration no. SLS-08-1350 & LZJ-7031 near Ravi Bridge Shahdara. On query, a person came out from the vehicle bearing registration no: LZJ-7031 and identiRied himself as Muhammad Abid Raza son of Mohammad Mansha as owner of the goods
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loaded in the intercepted vehicles. The said owner provided two bill of ladings nos: 5498 and 5500 both dated 6.2.1017 issued by M/s Friends Mini Mazda Transport Service which indicated that the aid cartons were being transported from Faisalabad to Lahore and also depicted the goods as cartons/sacks with sender name Malik Fayyaz and recipient’s name “nil”. During search, the ASO team recovered 195 cartons of foreign origin DUO DUO ® Brand Match Crackers concealed in the local packing. On demand the owner failed to produce any legal documents regarding possession and transportation of crackers. The ASO team seized the items vide Section 2(kk) of the Customs Act 1969 and forwarded the case to Customs Adjudication for further proceedings. During proceedings in Customs Adjudication no one appeared from owner side to defend himself despite issuance of many notices.
customs recovers various items from fBR squads to monitor nDp cigarettes Lahore Airport bound flights in 10 days he Federal Board of Revenue the squad and undertake opera-
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he customs ofRicials have conRiscated about 16 alcohol bottles from passengers travelling via different Rlights during some raids on the Allama Iqbal International Airport during the Rirst ten days of August. Sources told Customs Today that ofRicers conducted operations in different Rlights from different countries. Flights were coming from Dubai to Lahore, Turkey to Lahore, Jeddah to Lahore and Muscat to Lahore. The customs took action in Pakistan In-
ternational Airlines (PIA) Rlights, Turkish Airways Rlight, Gulf Air and Saudi Air Rlight. During actions in these Rlights, the customs staff recovered 16 bottles of alcohol. The customs allowed all the passengers to go after the conRiscation of alcohol bottles from their possession. The customs has also conRiscated two LEDs of 32 and 46 inches from two passengers. Dozens of cell phones, wireless sets and mobile accessories were also recovered from Lahore airport. –CB Report
(FBR) has constituted Tobacco Monitoring Squads s to crackdown against the suspects who sell non-customs duty paid cigarettes in the city. Sources told Customs Today that the squads would monitor general stores, godowns, and undertake raids on the outlets where non-duty paid cigarettes would be found dumped and sold. The sources said that the FBR Regional Tax Officer II Assistant Commissioner Inland Revenue Syed Nasir Jamal would supervise
Bonded carriers protest against nLc
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LAHORE
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he All Pakistan Customs Bonded Carrier Association has announced to stop all transshipment bookings of cargo to NLC at dry port Thokar Niaz Beg in protest against the NLC. According to the association’s
chairman, Shams Burney, the NLC is not accepting the (carrier) lien on the cargo resulting in losses to the bonded carriers. In a letter to Customs authorities, Shams Burney asked the Collector concerned to issue a public notice in the light of coordination between Customs, Shipping agents and the terminals, wherein no consignment is re-
leased from the port by the custodian unless delivery order from the shipping company is issued. The terminals at the dry port Lahore are delivering the transshipment cargo to the consignee or their clearing agent in violation of the general rule of “Right of Lien” of the “Carriers”. Bonded carriers are operating as customs licenses and no
tions against those who would be found involved in dumping of nonduty paid cigarettes. The squad will comprises Senior Auditor Muhammad Asif, Inspector Muzaffar Ali , Inspector Waqar Shah, Arshad Ahmed Rana Umer Javaid. It is necessary to mention here that these scouts were constituted on the request of cigarette manufacturers operating in the city. FBR is using all available resources to halt sale of non duty paid tobacco in the region.–CB Report
transshipment cargo can be transported from sea port Karachi to any dry port in Pakistan other than authorized customs bonded carrier. As per transshipment rule the bonded carriers remains the custodian till the physical custody is handed over to the terminal at a declared customs station or dry port.
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ollector Customs at Gilgit-Baltistan Muhammad Ali Raza has celebrated 70th Independence Day of Pakistan on August 14, 2017 with full enthusiasm and spirit at Sust Dry Port on Pakistan-China border. For the purpose, a special function was arranged at Pakistan-China border which was participated by Additional Deputy Collector Asdaq Afzal, Inspector Customs Saleem, Inspector Mumtaz and other customs ofRicials deputed at Sust Dry Port. To celebrate the day, a cake cutting ceremony was carried out after which the Collector Ali Raza Khan addressed to the gathering. He said, “We should be proud of our country as no nation in the world has ever become sovereign without achieving a state of their own.” He said Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his counter partners have sacrificed for achievement of the country now its upon our youth to take the responsibilities on their shoulders in order to protect the country from evil doers.
facilitation. He said that China’s “One Belt, One Road” (OBOR) initiative is a mega infrastructure development programme that is witnessing an unprecedented level of investment from China to boost the integrated economic growth in the region of which Gilgit-Baltistan is the gateway. He added that Pakistan China Friendship has entered in to a new era of development and prosperity. He lauded the mutual cooperation between two countries and said that it will help Pakistan to become economically stable. He lauded the role of Customs ofRicials on duty at Sost Dry Port and said that the capacity of the Customs station at Gilgit will increase once after complete operationalization of China Pakistan Economic Corridor. He termed that the collection of revenue has increased in FY 2016-2017 as compared to FY 2015-2016 and in the current FY it would further increase to surpass the revenue targets of previous years. At the end Pray was made for proson perity of country and Collector e nati h t f d o h an ther a a n Customs meet with Customs off n i d J i a li Raza s mad A Ricials and inquired about them. or m f a d h e u c crifi mm a a s z He also appreciated the e A v e a n sh Quaid its upo arrangement which were made artner w p o r n e y t n n untr o o to mark the Independence Day. c s e e his cou i h t nt of t nsibili
He added that Pakistan is situated on a very important corner of the world where it share borders with few of most populated countries. It’s very vital for us as a nation to understand the challenges been faced by our country. He further said that the role of Pakistan Customs is very crucial in the internationalization of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the collector maintained that the Pakistan Customs is the main stakeholder of the CPEC programme due to its unique professional capabilities regarding the trade
eme respo t the achiev ke the a t o protec t o h t t r u e o d our y s in or ers oulder h s r evil do i e m o th r f y countr
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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
Economic policies must continue
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fter his disqualification as prime minister by the judiciary, Nawaz Sharif embarked on a long march from Islamabad to his hometown Lahore to mark a show of power and public support. However, political analysts have raised eyebrows over his ‘innocent’ move and deem it as an act of defiance against judiciary which can plunge the country into further crisis. The ouster of Nawaz Sharif has not only exposed the inherent flaws in political parties, but also lack of vision, will and trust of the socalled public representatives in the democratic process. It has also exposed the real strength of the heads of political parties all of whom are nothing more than one man shows in their respective domains. The party heads are as if indispensable and it is hard to imagine the survival of a political party without its leader. The pathetic part of the party politics is that only someone from the bloodline is allowed to take charge of the party. All other members of a party hierarchy act as dummies or robots who are programmed to toe the line of the party chiefs in starch contrast to their personal credibility,traditional values or democratic norms. However, the Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz lawmakers have agreed to continue Nawaz government’s policies which need consistency and attention. Several infrastructural and developmental projects are in various stages of their completion and have consumed billions of dollars public money. The projects of vital importance cannot be left unattended. If the PML-N wants to stay in politics, the former prime minister will have to be proactive and he has now plenty of time to focus on his much-hyped political vision to steer the country out crisis and prepare his party for the next elections. It is dilemma of this nation that whenever the country starts its journey on the path of development, something unusual comes from out of the blue and spoil the show. According to the world economists, Pakistan economy is heading towards takeoff position, but political crisis send wrong signals to the potential foreign investors. Despite having deposits of billions of dollars in foreign banks and huge real estate businesses in overseas destinations, the corrupt public representatives have failed to satiate their lust for money. It is the time the politicians should show maturity, sincerity and save the political system from any eventuality.
Economy under pressure A
LAHORE
DR AfTAB AfZAL
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t a time the world is expecting progressive view of Pakistan, the recent unfortunate events have marred the credibility and goodwill of the country’s economic affairs. The Morgan Stanley Capital International’s (MSCI) had recently reclassified Pakistan as the emerging markets after picking it up from the list of frontier markets. It was also expected that the flow of money will gain momentum in the country as the market would get attention from international investors after acquiring emerging market status. However, experts believe the
stocks are under pressure in the wake of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif ’s rally as the benchmark lost hundreds of points earlier in the day. According to a dispatch appearing in Wall Street Journal, the emerging markets are economically more developed than frontier markets and potential investors generally consider them as less risky. The sharp decline in the index ahead of the rally indicates the stocks would continue to remain under pressure in coming days due to political developments coupled with concerns over the accumulation of Rs800billion circular debt in the energy sector and uncertain oil prices in international market.
According to MSCI, Pakistan will experience inflow of money into the stock exchange despite political chaos and economic pressure and that is the only positive understanding in the current situation. The country is at the cross road where it can go either on the path of development or the road to nowhere. Unfortunately, the recent events on the political horizon have changed the perception of the economy in one blow. The national institutions and think thanks must do some research work to find out the causes behind the events which have sent Pakistan into troubles. A strong political system will ensure a strong economic base.
The next elections are only a year away and plunging the country into the political and economic crisis is not a wise decision. The government of Pakistan Muslim League under Nawaz Sharif had failed to reap the benefits of the GSP plus status granted by the European Union or the huge investment made by China in the economic corridor. However, minus Nawaz formula is expected to cause more harm to the national economy than his presence in the office would have done. One can only hope that the new prime minister would try his best to avail the investment opportunities still offered by China and other countries.
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ASF seizes heroin from passenger at Islamabad airport ISLAMABAD: The Airport Security Force (ASF) has seized about one kilogramme heroin from a passenger at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport. Officials said that the passenger, Zabat ur Rehman, was due to travel on Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) Jeddah-bound flight 741 when the drugs that were hidden in his clothes were discovered. Zabat ur Rehman, a resident of Hangu, was then handed over to the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and transferred to ANF’s office in Rawalpindi. A First Information Report was later registered against him under the Control of Narcotics Substances Act, 1997.
fertilizer exports witness 100% increase during previous year
Friday August 18, 2017
National
mDpT moves cornerstone project from Sher Shah to muzaffargarh
ISLAMABAD
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ertilizer exports from the country during the financial year ended on June 30, 2017 witnessed 100 percent increase as compared the exports of the corresponding period of last year. During the period from July-June, 2016-17 about 44,250 metric tons of fertilizer manufactured worth US$ 10.58 million were exported as compared the same period of last year. According the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics no quantity of the manufactured fertilizer were exported in 12 months of financial year 2015-16. The exports of chemical and pharma products also increased by 9.21 percent as chemical and pharm products valuing
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US $ 878.463 million exported as compared the exports of US $ 804.337 million of same period of last year. During the period under review about 9,029 metric tons of pharmaceutical products worth US$ 212.291 million exported which was up by 3.63 percent against the exports of last year. The country had earned US$ 204.846 million by exporting about 11,112 metric tons of pharmaceutical products during the year 2015-16, it added. Meanwhile, country exported surgical goods and medical instruments worth US$ 339.19 million during previous year as against the exports of US$ 358.766 million of the corresponding period of last year. The exports of above mention goods were recorded at US$ 358.766 million during the financial year 2015-16. The exports of cutlery goods grew by 2.52 percent and reached at US$ 82.436 million in fiscal year 2016-17 as compared the exports of US$ 80.404 million of same period last year.
MULTAN
M
ImRAn ALI
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ultan Dry Port Trust (MDPT) has moved their cornerstone project of multi-mode transit hub from Sher Shah junction to Muzaffargarh Railway Station. According to the details, Multan Dry Port Trust planning to establish multi-mode transit hub for the clearance of shipments export terminal at Muzaffargarh Railway Station. The establishment of multimode transit hub at Muzaffargarh Railway Station will connect Port Qasim Karachi and Multan Dry Port through cargo train service for the clearance of import and export consignment. The Federal Board of Revenue has also notiRied the land near Sher Shah for the establishment of multimode transit hub with the assistance of Pakistan Railway. The proposal for the establishment of multi model transportation hub at Sher Shah Railway junction was also technically rejected due to lack of less space available for disembarking of import and export
containers. After the rejection of proposed location for the establishment of multi-mode transit hub at Sher Shah, Multan Dry Port Trust has made new feasibility report for construction of clearance hub at Muzaffargarh Railway Station. Pakistan Railway Station has allotted 8 acres land for the construction of multi-mode transit hub in the area of Muzaffargarh Railway Station. The total cost of Muzaffar-
garh export terminal was estimated almost Rs.250 million. Before this estimated cost of the project was almost Rs.930 million for the construction of clearance hub at Multan Dry Port and proposed location for the establishment of transit multimode hub at Sher Shah was also rejected from Pakistan Railway. The Customs Collectorate Multan is also backing Multan Dry Port to establish multi Model Transit Hub at
Muzaffargarh Railway Station which will promote import and export of South Punjab region. Almost eight import containers will be handled from Muzaffargarh terminal at a time and they will be shifted to Multan Dry Port for the clearance. The establishment of Muzaffargarh export terminal will facilitate business community of South Punjab in the handling of their import and export shipments.
Anf conducts 700 operations, arrests 771 traffickers ISLAMABAD
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he Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has claimed to have arrested 771 drug-trafRickers, seizing 200 tons of narcotics, precursor chemicals and psychotropic substances in nearly 700 operations in the country from January to July this year. The narcotics seized included 31,598kg opium, 26,564kg heroin, 92,695kg hashish, 55,444kg precursor chemicals and about 2,000kg synthetic drugs. “[The] ANF has surpassed all previous records of its successes,” ANF Director General Major-General Musarrat Nawaz Malik told Federal Minister for Narcotics Control LtGeneral (R) Syed Salahuddin Tirmizi during a brieRing at the ANF headquarters in Rawalpindi.
The ANF chief briefed the federal minister about ANF achievements and major challenges being faced by it. He told the minister that eight drug-trafRicking gangs had been busted. The minister was also apprised of ANF’s initiative of conducting public awareness drives and community participation activities
throughout Pakistan to reduce the use of drugs, apart from running rehabilitation centres, providing freeof-cost treatment to drug addicts. “The over 2,600km-long PakAfghan border has become a major transit route for Afghan opiates and hashish,” said Malik, adding that for tackling such a situation, the ANF
had enforced a very effective drug supply and demand reduction mechanism despite massive challenges and limited resources. The minister was also informed about the ANF’s organisational requirements enhancement of manpower, development of infrastructure, acquisition of latest technology and establishment of more drug treatment centres in the country. Appreciating the ANF’s achievements and its role in combating trafRicking of illicit drugs at the national, regional and global levels, the minister assured his all-out support to the ANF DG in addressing the inadequacies of the force so that it could tackle the menace more vigorously. Earlier, the federal minister laid a Rloral wreath on ANF Shuhada Monument and offered prayers for the ANF martyrs who laid their lives in the line of duty.
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Waseem Altaf assumes charge as Commissioner-IR Friday August 18, 2017
National Aisha farooq takes charge as commissioner (west Zone-III)
ISLAMABAD: Muhammad Waseem Altaf, a BS-19 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has assumed the charge as Commissioner-IR. The officer, in pursuance of Board’s notification No. 2015-IR-I/2017, dated 26.07.2017, took the charge of the post of Commissioner-IR (OPS) (IP/TFD/HRM) at Regional Tax Office, Rawalpindi with effect from July 31. Meanwhile, Rajabuddin, a BS-20 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has assumed the charge as Chief Commissioner-IR.
Imran assumes charge as commissioner-IR (corporate Zone)
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isha Farooq, a BS-20 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has taken the charge as Commissioner (West Zone-III). Aisha, pursuing the Board’s Notification No. 2015-IR-I/2017, dated 26.07.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Chief, Federal Board of Revenue (HQ), Islamabad with effect from August 1, 2017 and assumed the charge of the post of Commissioner (West Zone-III), Regional Tax Office, Islamabad on the same date. Meanwhile, Khawaja Khurram Naeem, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS-19, has relinquished the charge of Additional Collector. The officer, in pursuance of Ministry of Commerce’s letter No. 2(3)/2017-Admn.II dated 13.06.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Additional Collector, posted at Model Customs Collectorate, Islamabad, with effect from August 1, 2017.
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Aamer assumes charge as chief (opS) IR-operations amer Amin Bhatti, a BS-19 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has assumed the charge as Chief (OPS) (Inland Revenue Operations). The officer, in pursuance of Board’s Notification No. 2015-IR-I/2017, dated 26.07.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Commissioner-IR (OPS) (Zone-II), Regional Tax Office, Gujranwala with effect from July 26 and took the charge of the post of Chief (OPS) (Inland Revenue Operations) at Federal Board of Revenue (HQ), Islamabad on August 3, 2017. Ardsher Saleem Tariq, a BS-20 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has assumed the charge as Chief (BTB). The officer, in pursuance of Board’s Notification No. 2015-IR-I/2017. –CB Report
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mran Latif Minhas, a BS-20 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has assumed the charge as Commissioner-IR (Corporate Zone). The officer, in pursuance of Board’s Notification No. 2015-IRI/2017, dated 26.07.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Chief (HRM), Federal Board of Revenue (HQ), Islamabad with effect from August 1, 2017 and took the charge of the post of Commissioner-IR (Corporate Zone) at Regional Tax Office, Islamabad on the same date. Meanwhile, Mustafa Sajjad Hassan, a BS-21 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has taken the charge as Chief Commissioner-IR.
The officer, pursuing the Board’s Notification No. 2016-IR-I/2017, dated 26.07.2017, relinquished the
charge of the post of Director, Directorate of Internal Audit-IR, Lahore with effect from July 27, 2017
and took the charge of the post of Chief Commissioner-IR, Regional Tax Office, Sargodha on July 28.
customs Export collects Rs 11.2 million during first 15 days of August T
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he Customs Exports has successfully collected Rs 11.2 million during the Rirst 15 days of August 2017 of the Riscal year 201718. Sources told Customs Today that Customs Exports issued ten show cause notices out of which six Rinal notices were served on defaulter companies in Rirst 15 days of August. It is necessary to mention here the Customs Exports successfully collected Rs 38.12 million during the month of July. The Customs Exports issued show cause notices to one factory in order to collect the evaded tax amount. The customs authorities issued notices to M/s Ghaffor Textile and Export Karachi which is found involved in tax evasion. M/s Ghaffor Textile and Export Karachi used the wrong
Pakistan Custom Tariff (PCT) heading to get its different items of consignment (ladies lawn suit and fabrics) consignment cleared on 28th of July causing a
loss of Rs4.3 million to the national exchequer. During scrutiny of import data during the end of July, the Customs Exports found the company used the wrong
PCT heading. After detecting the tax evasion, the customs authorities issued a show-cause notice no: 199/2017 to recover the evaded tax amount.
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NAB hands over recovered cheque to Kundi PESHAWAR: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Director General Brig (R) Farooq Naser Awan handed over a recovered cheque to Peshawar Deputy Post Master General Rasheed Ullah Kundi. The amount was misappropriated in the Pakistan Postal Department, Peshawar. A cheque distribution ceremony was held at the NAB office here in Peshawar. Addressing the participants, the NAB director general said that under the leadership of NAB Chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry, officers and officials of NAB are following a comprehensive strategy to eradicate the curse of corruption in the society. He said that the countries, committed against the corruption, have set examples of development.
Remittances, exports showing healthy signs: pBIf ISLAMABAD
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resident Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), Mian Zahid Hussain on Friday said remittances and exports are increased with the beginning of the new fiscal year which is a healthy sign. However, the trend of excessive imports continues which is to damage all the hard earned gains which call for more measures to restrict unnecessary imports, he said. Mian Zahid Hussain said that imports should be curtailed otherwise it would be difficult for the government to manage things as the external financing requirements for the current fiscal would not be less than 20 billion dollars. He said that last year the remittances went down by three percent to 19.3 billion dollars while the fall was recorded at 11.2 percent in the
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last month of the last fiscal. However, it jumped by 16.1 percent to 1.54 billion dollars in July which is encouraging. Exports in the month of July increased by 10.6 percent but imports worth 4.8 billion dollars laid waste to all the gains. The trade deficit in the month of July went up by 55.5 percent to 3.2 billion dollars as compared to the last year’s month of July which indicates that the trend will persist, he added. He noted that the last year’s trade deficit remained 32.5 billion dollars which is enough to shake the foundations of the economy. Mian Zahid Hussain said that last year current account deficit was recorded at 12.1 billion dollars which is to swell to 14 billion dollars in the current fiscal. Government has set the target of exports at 23.1 billion dollars, the target of current account deficit to 8.9 billion dollars while the import target has been fixed at 48.8 billion dollars as achievement of these targets seems unlikely in the current environment, he added.
Friday August 18, 2017
National
weekly hazara customs remains inflation rises 0.51 percent surplus in fY2016-17 by earning Rs868.28m revenue T ISLAMABAD
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he Hazara Customs Station has exceeded the collection during previous Financial Year 201617 by generating a large amount of Rs868.28million revenue. The Hazara Customs Station received Rs190.76million more revenue than it did in FY2015-2016 which was Rs677.52million. Additional Deputy Collector at Customs House Peshawar told Customs Today on Wednesday that the collections at various customs stations such as Hazara, Kohat and Gadoon have showed proRit in the last FY2016-2017. The revenue collection of Hazara Customs Station will increase in the FY2017-2018 as shown by the increase in the collection of current FY Rigures. The Hazara Customs Station has received Rs283.16million as CD in which it has done duty of Rs22.07million by impounding miscellaneous goods. In the same way, Rs1.17million was earned as ST while a sum of Rs397.06million was generated as Sales Tax on VM Palm oil. The cus-
toms station got Rs158.34million as total AIT on products. Similarly, the Hazara Customs Station received a duty of Rs28.55million by getting Federal Excise Duty on items in the above said period. The Hazara Customs Station generated Rs0.75million of Ware House
surcharge and RsI.49million as RD on imports. So far the collections made by Hazara Customs stations have been lauded and after a full operation of China Pakistan Economic Corridor, revenue collection area of Hazara Customs Station will expand due to increase of trafRic from China via Gilgit-Baltistan.
he weekly inflation for the week ended on August 10 for the combined income groups increased by 0.51 percent as compared to the previous week. According to the data released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Friday, the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the week under review in the above mentioned group was recorded at 219.92 points against 218.80 points last week. As compared to the corresponding week of last year, the SPI for the combined group in the week under review witnessed increase of 0.64 per cent. The weekly SPI has been computed with base 2007, 2008=100, covering 17 urban centers and 53 essential items for all income groups. Meanwhile, the SPI for the lowest income group up to Rs 8,000 increased by 0.74 percent as it went up from 208.32 points in the previous week to 209.86 points in the week under review. As compared to the last week, the SPI for the income groupsfrom Rs 8001 to 12,000, Rs 12,001 to 18,000, Rs 18,001 to 35,000 and above Rs 35,000, also increased by 0.67 percent, 0.62 percent, 0.54 percent and 0.37 percent respectively.
‘SEZs to start operations within two years’
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he Board of Investment (BoI) has said that Special Economic Zones equipped with modern state of art facilities for foreign and local investor would start operating within next two years. In order to ensure rapid industrialization, BoI would introduce the incentive package including electricity, gas and 10 years tax holidays for the investors, said BoI spokesman Shah Jahan told APP here. The spokesman said that SEZs investors would get the facility for plant and machinery import with-
out customs duty in all four provinces of the country. Shah Jahan said that seven SEZ cells had been approved for facilitating the investors through one window operation to provide them facilities at one place. Three each SEZs would be established in Punjab and Sindh and one in Khyber Paktunkwa, he added. Replying to a question, he said that nine more industrial zones had been approved for high tech industry to enhance the export and employment opportunities in the country. BoI Spokesman said the SEZ Cell had been furnished on the contemporary corporate style and would be equipped with state-of-art facilities. The BoI was
fully committed to revive the conRidence of foreign businessmen to ultimately boost foreign investment in the country. He said that through pro-
active approach, “We have been mainly focussing to achieve the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) target $15 billion by 2025.”
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World Customs
Vietnam-ASEAN trade up 7-fold in 20 years
HANOI: Trade value increased 12.3 per cent annually between 1996 and 2006 and 8.1 per cent each year from 2007 to 2016. Total export turnover stood at $41.49 billion in the 20-year period, accounting for 11.8 per cent of Vietnam’s total trade. Exports of goods from Vietnam to ASEAN in 2016 reached nearly $17.45 billion, down 4.4 per cent over 2015. Imports from ASEAN reached $24.04 billion, up 1 per cent. Vietnam has never recorded a trade surplus with the bloc since joining. In its first year, 1996, the deficit was $745 million.
Friday August 18, 2017
Australian Border force arrested in relation to alleged drug ring
uS customs protection seizes toy airplanes WASHINGTON
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n Australian Border Force officer has been arrested over an alleged international tobacco ring operating between Sydney and Dubai. The serving officer, Craig Eakin, was arrested alongside a female former Customs and Border Protection Service officer. Eakin, 42, from Brighton-Le-Sands, has been charged with smuggling, bribery, abuse of public office, assisting a criminal group, unauthorised access and dealing in the proceeds of crime. Johayna Merhi, 41, from Hurtsville, has been charged with conspiracy to bribe, smuggling, assisting a criminal group and dealing in proceeds of crime. The Daily Telegraph reported it will be alleged Ms Merhi, who used to work at Customs, has a connection to
Dubai customs handles 12m passengers he first half of the year has been so busy for the Dubai Customs’ passenger operations department at the Dubai International Airport. Official records showed that the emirate’s oldest department has dealt with around 12 million passengers in the first six months of this year. According to a senior official, they have checked about 18 million bags coming through 39,000 flights. Ibrahim Al Kamali, director of passenger operations at the Dubai Customs, said they have also made 360 seizures of banned and prohibited goods and narcotics over the same period. “We have also processed up to 6,500 customs transactions. “We have internally developed applications and systems that have significantly helped us streamline passengers’ arrivals and departures in a record time and as accurate and secure as possible.”–CB Report
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Koder Jomaa, who this week was arrested in Dubai and is facing extradition. Jomaa quit Sydney for Dubai three years ago after the collapse of his marriage and swiftly set up a healthy eaterie and delivery service Fit Food Kitchen in the exclusive Jumeirah Lake Towers. The arrests follows dawn raids on Tuesday when AFP officers swooped on homes and businesses across Sydney.
“Unfortunately, during this operation, we have uncovered some allegations of corrupt activity, which this syndicate exploited to try and get their drugs into the country,” Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan said on Thursday. “We will be alleging that these persons utilised their knowledge and expertise to assist the Jomaa organised crime family bring bordercontrolled drugs into Australia.
uk exports disappoint as economy limps to end of weak first half
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ritain’s economy put in a weak performance in June when declines in car manufacturing, construction and exports gave an uninspiring end to the weakest first half of any year since 2012. A year after Britain voted for Brexit, there is still little sign that exporters have gained much by way of competitiveness from the fall in the value of the pound after referendum. The Bank of England has
said it is counting on a recovery in exports to help lift growth in the economy. “This is a disappointing set of data for a country that has recently seen an 18 percent fall in the currency,” said HSBC economist Elizabeth Martins. Britain’s goods trade deficit jumped to a ninemonth high of 12.7 billion pounds ($16.5 billion) in June from 11.3 billion pounds in May, exceeding all forecasts.–CB Report
S Customs and Border protection recently announced the seizure of a shipment of 36,000 toy airplanes. According to a news release, the shipment of airplanes was in a rail container crossing the border from Canada. Examination of the merchandise led ofRicers to further investigate licenses and trademarks required. Upon discussion with the trademark holders, it was determined that neither the importer, nor the manufacturer were licensed to display trademarks or manufacture the merchandise in question. As a result, CBP seized those items. The counterfeit merchandise had an total manufacturer’s suggested retail price of more than $575,000. “CBP remains focused on enforcing the importation of counterfeit products
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while facilitating the lawful importation of merchandise,” said Anthony “Tony” Jackson, the port director in International Falls. Meanwhile, Border Patrol agents seized 1,582.9 pounds of marijuana in Laredo, Texas. Agents at the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 encountered a white tractor pulling a white trailer at the primary lane. The driver was questioned regarding his immigration status and consented to further inspection. A non-intrusive inspection of the trailer revealed anomalies. A further search of the trailer resulted in the seizure of 65 bundles of marijuana. The marijuana was estimated to have a value of $1,266,320. The driver, a Mexican Citizen, was arrested. The driver, vehicle and marijuana were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free telephone number at 1-800-343-1994.
Italy trade surplus falls in June taly’s foreign trade surplus decreased in June from a year ago, as imports grew faster than exports, Rigures from the statistical ofRice Istat showed Thursday. The trade surplus dropped to EUR 4.5 billion in June from EUR 4.7 billion in the corresponding month last year. In May, the surplus was EUR 4.3 billion. Exports climbed 8.2 percent year-over-year in June and imports surged by 9.9 percent. Outgoing Rlows to EU member states grew 8.2 percent annually in June and those to non-EU countries increased by 8.3 percent.
The trade surplus with EU countries resulted in a surplus of EUR 1.22 billion compared to May’s 1.69 billion surplus. The non-EU trade surplus rose from EUR 2.65 billion in May to EUR 3.28 billion in June. Meanwhile, An ofRicial at Ministry of Energy reported on formation of a joint working group between Iran and Italy to expand ties in water and electricity sectors. Hamidreza Tashayoei, Head of Export Promotion and Logistics at the Iranian Ministry of Energy, made the remarks at a meeting with Italy’s economy attaché to Tehran Carmelo Ficarra in Tehran. –CB Report
Bank of canada releases fintech discussion paper
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OTTAWA
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n July 2017, the Bank of Canada released a discussion paper outlining a framework for the assessment of risks and opportunities for central banks in connection with Fintech. This paper also more generally explores potential implications of
Fintech for central banks, given their mandate over monetary policy, the design and distribution of currency and/or Rinancial stability. One of the reasons that Fintech is being keenly watched by central banks is in connection with its potential implications on monetary policy and the design and distribution of currency. Cryptocurrencies and distributed ledger technology more generally
have revived interest in the idea of electronic currency, potentially leveraging such distributed ledger technology. Such concept could have signiRicant implications on a central bank’s ability to manage monetary supply. The Bank of Canada has begun experimenting with distributed ledger technology in the payments system (although not in respect of currency directly) by running a pilot
called Project Jasper (please see our blog post on the subject). The conclusion of the Rirst stage of the pilot project was that such technology was not yet ready for live use in wholesale large value settlement systems, and the pilot is continuing and has progressed to a later stage. This seems to suggest that electronic currency may still be some time away for central banks.
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Port of Auckland welcomes rail investment WASHINGTON: Ports of Auckland today welcomed the Government’s decision to fund the expansion of a key freight and passenger rail line through Auckland. The Government announced today it will invest $100 million to build the ‘third main’, adding a third rail line to the North Island Main Trunk Line between Westfield and Wiri, in Auckland. This section of line is heavily used by both passenger and freight trains. Although this line does not link directly to Ports of Auckland, it will add capacity and flexibility in a key section which will improve rail access from our Waitematā sea port to our inland ports at South Auckland, Waikato, Manawatu and the Bay of Plenty.
Shipping activity at port Qasim our ships C.V MSC Rita, C.V CMA CGM Nerver, M.T Gas Chem Artarctic and M.T Lon-M carrying containers, chemicals and furnace oil took berths at Qasim International Container Terminal, Engro Vopak Terminal and FOTCO OIl respectively on Thursday. Meanwhile another chemicals carrier Sea charming also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim on same day. Berth occupancy was reported at the Port at 63% on Thursday where a total of ten ships namely, MSC Rita, CMA CGM Nenver, APL Coral, Diya-B, Thor Maximus, Hanna-S, Leto, Gas Chem Antarotic, Bunga Allium and Lion-M were occupied at PQA berths to load/offload containers, cement, coal, soya bean seeds, chemicals, palm oil and furnace oil respectvely during last 24 hours. Cargo handling remained at the Port at 161,035 tonnes , com-
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prising 111,699 tonnes import cargo and 49,336 tonnes export cargo inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 3,827 containers (TEUs) 1,623 TEUs imports and 2,204 TEUs exports was handled during last 24 hours. Containers ship MSC Rita sailed out to sea on Friday morning while three more ships APL Coral, CMA CGM Nerver and Gas Chem Antarctic are expected to sail on same day in the afternoon. Four ships C.V San Fellx, C.V Hugo schulte M.T Maran Gas Asclepius and M.T Chemroad Polaris carrying containers, LNG and chemicals are expected to take berths at QICT, EETL and EVTI, respectively on Friday, while C.V APL Austria and C.V Nicoilne Maersk are due to arrive at Port Qasim. –CB Report
Ports & Shipping
Delegation from oman visits hamad port MUSCAT
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EO of Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani Qatar) Captain Abdullah Al Khanji has stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation between Qatar and Oman, especially in the Rields of ports, maritime transport, logistics and free zones. Al Khanji was speaking during a visit by a highranking delegation from Oman representing ports, maritime transport, logistics and free zones sectors to Hamad Port and Al Ruwais Port in order to discuss ways of enhancing joint cooperation, trade and economic relations between the two countries. Captin Al Khanji stressed that Mwani Qatar continues its efforts to build strong and sustainable partnerships with ports, shipping and logistics operators to support domestic market stability and contribute to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030 goals. The visit started with a presentation on Hamad Port and
its stages of construction, progress of the remaining phases and plans drawn by the Ministry of Transport and Communications to strengthen Hamad Port’s status as well as Qatar’s drive to become a major regional trade hub. The delegation toured Hamad Port where its was briefed about the modern facilities, services, marine docks, container terminals and other port facilities, which is Qatar’s main gateway to trade with the world. The Omani delegation also toured Al Ruwais port for a Rirsthand insight into the facilities and to know
more closely about the activities and services it provides and future plans. The port receives various types of commercial goods and serves as an additional outlet for the promotion of regional trade and the revival of the economy of the northern part of Qatar. The Omani delegation consisted of representatives of the Asayad Group, including National Ferries Company, Duqm Port, Sohar Port and Free zone, Salalah Free zone Company, Salalah Port Services Company and Oman International Container Terminal.
Friday August 18, 2017
port of oakland to benefit from trade pact with china he Port of Oakland believes a new trade pact with China will benefit its export business and provide more opportunities for truckers to haul rice to export overseas. American rice exports could enter China as soon as 2018 after approval of a trade agreement last month. Port officials have said it is too soon to estimate how much business would increase, but they believe there will be a benefit because the Sacramento Valley is one of the largest riceproducing regions in the United States, and two-thirds of all containerized rice exports leave through Oakland. “We’re glad a rice agreement has been reached because there’s strong demand for highquality U.S. food products in China,” Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll said. “Given our location and track record with agricultural exports, we would hope to play a role in this new trade breakthrough.”The China trade deal comes as the U.S. dollar is softening against foreign currencies, which means that other countries can purchase American-made products at a cheaper price than in the past. –CB Report
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Sc ports post strong growth in fY 2017 WASHINGTON
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outh Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) posted signiRicant growth across multiple business segments in the Riscal year 2017, exceeding aggressive Rinancial plans for containerized cargo, breakbulk tonnage and rail volumes. “SCPA had an ambitious growth plan for the 2017 Riscal year and it is a true accomplishment to have exceeded that plan across all business segments,” said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. “Amid uncertainty in the industry, due to the consolidation of ocean carriers, SCPA successfully continued our growth trend well above the U.S. port market average. Through the expansion of import-export business in our region as well as successful efforts to recruit cargo from the Midwest and
Gulf markets, it was a positive Riscal year for us and we expect continued growth into our new year.” SCPA handled 2.14 million 20foot equivalent units in FY2017, an increase of 10 percent over the previous year and an all-time high volume for the Port. Over 1.21 million pier containers, or boxes, moved across SCPA docks during the Riscal year, setting a new volume record. Relative to Riscal year volume plans, the Port handled nearly 3 percent more containers in FY2017. In breakbulk cargo, Charleston tonnage exceeded planned volumes by 8.8 percent with 846,952 pier tons handled from July through June. Within the non-containerized cargo segment, SCPA moved 258,455 Rinished vehicles across the docks of the Columbus Street Terminal in FY2017. The Riscal year marked strong growth of SCPA’s intermodal volume and today nearly a quarter
of the Port’s containerized cargo moves by rail. Charleston’s RapidRail volumes increased 12.1 percent from FY2016 to FY2017 and volumes in this program reached an all-time high in May and June with 25,002 and 22,129 moves handled, respectively. Expansion of cargo at Inland Port Greer, where rail lifts exceeded FY2017 plans by 11 percent, played a key role in the Port’s overall rail growth. The facility Rinished the Riscal year with a record 121,761 rail lifts. In addition to signiRicant volume growth, SCPA demonstrated exemplary operational metrics in Riscal year 2017. Dockside crane reliability across SCPA’s two container terminals averaged 99.44 percent, marking the ninth straight year of ship-to-shore crane reliability over 99.4 percent. Through an effective preventive maintenance program, knowledgeable maintenance staff and involvement of crane operators on re-
porting of issues, SCPA avoided virtually any unplanned outage of the Port’s 16 ship-to-shore cranes. The Rirst full Riscal year of the Advanced Gate System at the Wando Welch Terminal (WWT) was another driver of the Port’s productivity in FY2017. Average hourly gate transactions on weekdays increased nearly 28 percent, with 421 hourly transactions handled on average in FY17 compared to 329 hourly transactions the prior year. “AGS is working extremely well, enabling the Port to efRiciently handle growing volumes through our gates,” Newsome said. “We processed a record 708 transactions in one hour at the Wando Terminal on Jan. 17, which reRlects outstanding performance of our gates. This improvement in productivity ultimately allows us to better serve the companies in our state and region that depend on our Port to work well and serve their international supply chain needs.”
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Pak-China TVTI to be set up at Gwadar under CPEC ISLAMABAD: The ministry of ports and shipping will establish a Pak-China Technical and Vocational Technical Institute (TVTI) at Gwadar under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project to produce skilled manpower for the deep sea port. “The institute will help fulfil technical and skilled manpower requirements of the port after expansion, industries including Gwadar Port Free Zone, Export Processing Zone and other industrial and port related fields,” official sources in the ministry told APP Friday.The institute comprises a main building, having two blocks, admin block, four workshops, cafeteria, hostels, parking areas, examination block and teachers lodge, they added.
Friday August 18, 2017
Business
'pakistan implementing all cpEc projects’ BEIJING
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xpressing satisfaction on progress of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan Ambassador to China, Masood Khalid has said both the friendly countries have strengthened cooperation in energy, infrastructure and setting up of industrial economic zones. “Since the projects of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) commenced in 2015, the progress of the CPEC was satisfactory: both sides strengthened cooperation in the fields of electricity, infrastructure construc-
1.1kg hashish seized ISLAMABAD
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govt mulls surcharge to boost poL storage capacity
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pecial Investigation Unit (SIU) of Islamabad Police had arrested a drug pusher from ‘Sohan’ area of Khana police station and recovered 1100 gram hashish from him, a police spokesman said Friday.On a tip off, he said a team headed by DSP Muhammad Ashraf Shah arrested Meraj resident of Mardan from Sohan area and recovered 1100 gram hashish from him. Case has been registered against him and further investigation is underway.
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struction,” he said during the interview with China.com.cn.Am-
bassador Khalid said this cooperation would also benefit the continuous development of bilateral relations of the two countries. He said that Pakistan and China reached consensus on the joint construction of CPEC during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s visit in 2013. CPEC was also a part of “One Belt and One Road” initiated by President Xi Jinping. Ambassador Masood Khalid said that the year 2017 marked the 70th anniversary of Independence Day of Pakistan; during the past three years, Pakistan had been working with determination on all challenges of anti-terror and anti-terrorism, and Pakistan’s economy had been improved.
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ISLAMABAD
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he government may soon impose a surcharge on the sale of all transport fuels to enhance storage infrastructure and product stockpiles for strategic defence requirements. This is part of the recommendations of a high-powered committee on strategic planning for oil and gas stocks and storages comprising top ofRicials of the various arms of the federal government, military and
private sector. The committee also seeks to beef up security at all key oil and gas installations and extend security cover to additional pipelines and other infrastructure. “No decision has so far been made, but a proposal was discussed to levy a storage charge at the rate of 10 paisa per litre on petroleum products to enhance strategic reserves to at least 45 days of consumption,” a senior ofRicial. However, he clariRied that no formal summary had been moved to the Economic Coordination Committee of the cabinet
or the federal cabinet. He added that a similar proposal was also discussed at the fag end of President Musharraf’s rule, but it went nowhere. The ofRicial said reserves of petroleum, oil and lubricant products for 45 days must be maintained at all times as strategic reserves or war stamina. Of this, the armed forces are required to maintain 20 days of general service reserve and the stocks for the remaining 25 days should be ensured as strategic reserves by the petroleum ministry through oil marketing companies (OMCs) led by Pakistan State Oil.
foreign investment jumps by 162pc KARACHI
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oreign direct investment (FDI) jumped 163 per cent to $222.6 million in July on a year-onyear basis, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported on Wednesday. FDI continued showing the upward trend that began in the second half of the preceding fiscal year. It grew 4.6pc in 2016-17. Pakistan received $2.4 billion in 2016-17, highest since the present government came into power four years ago. FDI was $1.45bn in 201213. Growth in FDI is encouraging, although the main contributor to net inflows has been China, which is investing heavily under the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The highest inflow in July was from Malaysia, which invested $91.6m. It was followed by China that invested $72.7m. Other important sources of FDI in July were the United Arab Emirates and Japan, which contributed $16.2m and $12.2m, respectively. Trade emerged as the most attractive avenue for foreign investors who contributed $93.9m in July to this sector. The power sector has also been attractive for foreign investors. It received $56.5m during July. Within the power sector, investment in coal projects was $41m.
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nAB holds midterm inspection for 2017 ISLAMABAD
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he National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman has said that NAB considers the Right against graft its national duty. He said this while chairing a meeting to review the performance of NAB HQ and regional bureaus on the basis of mid-term inspection conducted by Chairman’s Inspection
and Monitoring Team (CI&MT) on the basis of newly introduced QuantiRied Grading System (PQGS) at NAB Headquarters. The team gave a detailed brieRing to Chairman NAB about the midterm inspection done by (CI&MT) and highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of NAB HQ and all regional bureaus. He informed the meeting that on the directions of NAB Chairman, QuantiRied Grading System (PQGS) was devised in 2014.
Under this QuantiRied Grading System (PQGS), the performance of NAB HQ and all NAB’s regional bureaus are being reviewed since 2014 at uniform criteria. NAB Chairman appreciated midterm inspection of NAB HQ and all regional bureaus. He said that corruption is the mother of all evils. NAB is committed to eradicating corruption by adopting Zero Tolerance Policy as corruption creates hurdles in development and deprives people of their due right.
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Higher crude oil prices slash Saudi Arabia deficit RIYADH: The Saudi Finance Minister has announced an annual decline in the budget deficit for the first half of the year thanks to higher oil prices in the period. At $19.39 billion (72.728 billion riyals), the first-half deficit was 51 percent lower than what the government had projected, the ministry also said. Total budget revenues in the period rose by 29 percent on an annual basis while expenditures fell by 2 percent. Over the second quarter, the deficit fell on an annual basis but rose on a quarterly basis, Reuters noted in a report of the ministry’s announcement, recalling that the Kingdom had projected a full-year deficit of $52.80 billion (198 billion riyals), or 8 percent of GDP, compared with $79.2 billion (297 billion riyals). Oil revenues rose by 28 percent over the second quarter, while overall revenues were up by a more moderate 6 percent on an annual basis.
SccI stresses replication of punjab project PESHAWAR
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Friday August 18, 2017
Chambers
‘pakistan-mexico has great potential to expand trade ties’
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resident Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Haji Muhammad Afzal has stressed for replication of Punjab government’s afforestation project aimed at promotion of forestry investment. We would request the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pervez Khattak to replicate this project in the province so that forest cover improves in the province besides promotion of forestry investment, Afzal added.He expressed these views while speaking after presentation of South Punjab Forest Company (SPFC) at Sarhad Chamber. Senior Vice President SCCI, Muhammad Iqbal, Vice President Abid Khan leading industrialists including former president SCCI, Syed Zulfiqar Ali, Haji Luqman
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Khan and others were present on the occasion. Director Project Operations SPFC, Hafiz Muhammad Arsalan made presentation and apprised the participants about the objectives of the projects and incentives offered by Punjab government for investment in forestry sector of the province.The company, Muhammad Arsalan added, is formed for afforestation across six districts of South Punjab under the Public Private Partnership. A total of 99,077 acres of land in the form of 187 forest lots of various sizes in Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh and D.G. Khan are being offered to the investors for 15 years so that commercial forestry and range management activities can be done. The government has set 15% reserve price of the total produce for afforestation and Rs. 2000 for rangelands and the investor offering the highest bid to the government will secure the bid’ told Arsalan Khan.
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akistan and Mexico have good prospects for improving mutual trade and economic ties therefore businessmen of the both countries should take initiatives for tapping all areas of mutual cooperation. Ambassador of Mexico Jose Alfonso Zegbe has said this while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Director of Promexico for the Middle East Juan Cepeda, LCCI President Abdul Basit, Senior Vice President Amjad Ali Jawa, Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan, former presidents Mian Anjum Nisar, Sohail Lashari, former Senior Vice President Malik Tahir Javed and Sultan Ali Lakhani also spoke on the occasion while Adnan Khalid Butt, Hassam Ali Asghar, Tahir Manzoor Chaudhry, Adnan Khalid Butt, Tariq Mahmood, Mian Muhammad Nawaz and Muhammad Arshad Chaudhry were present in the meeting. The LCCI President Abdul Basit highlighted that in 2016, Pakistan’s total exports were worth $20.5 bil-
lion and out of that Mexico’s share was only 0.5%. Both countries should make effort to diversify bilateral trade as there is immense potential between the two countries. The LCCI Senior Vice President Amjad Ali Jawa announced to lead a trade delegation to Mexico in 2018 to explore trade and investment opportunities. He said Mexican entrepreneurs are interested to know about Pakistan’s business procedures for setting up new businesses and potential areas of investment in Pakistan. He said Mexican economy is im-
proving and diversifying. It is good time that Pakistani businessmen should explore Mexico for business opportunities. He said that sustainable relations can be developed through removing the issues of double taxation and Intellectual Property Rights etc. Director of Promexico for the Middle East Juan Cepeda called for institutionalizing the channels to know more to each other. He said that Mexican embassy will ensure provision of trade fairs and exhibitions related information to the Pakistani businessmen. He said that special economic zones
Dubai chamber to host workshops on VAT DUBAI
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he Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host two workshops in cooperation with the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to provide guidelines for complying with the forthcoming GCC-wide value-added tax (VAT). The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host two workshops in cooperation with the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) that will provide businesses in Dubai with guidelines for complying with the forthcoming GCC-wide valueadded tax (VAT). The workshops complement the Chamber’s efforts to keep its members informed about the latest regulatory developments and requirements, while they also provide an opportunity for business
owners and executives to raise questions they may have about the implementation of the new tax. A workshop will be held on August 8, at Dubai Chamber’s premises that will cover compliance within the UAE’s retail sector, as well as the steps that should be taken during the mandatory VAT registration process. A similar workshop will be held on August 22, which will be attended by importers and exporters. Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director general of the Federal Tax Authority, said: “These workshops are part of the second phase of the joint effort by the Ministry of Finance and the Authority’s tax awareness programme, which started last March. The tax awareness workshops’ aim is to keep the UAE’s business community informed on new tax laws and compliance procedures. “We are work-
ing with government institutions in the country, including chambers of commerce to host these workshops and educate businesses on the implementation of the new tax laws and compliance requirements detailed in the Federal Tax Procedures law, in addition to the objectives of introducing indirect taxes in the UAE to support stability and economic diversiRication through sustainable sources of revenue to Rinance major infrastructure projects and provide high quality services in the country.” Atiq Juma Nasib, senior vice president of Commercial Services at Dubai Chamber, explained that the workshops will aim to familiarise the business community with the concept of VAT, the registration and implementation process associated with the new tax, and its potential impact on the UAE’s business community.
and textile hubs are being established in Mexico. Mexico is gateway to the United States of America and Latin America. He informed the participants that Mexico has sent Rirst consignment of Halal meet to Qatar and want to do work with Pakistan in this sector. The LCCI President Abdul Basit said that Businessmen from both the countries should be encouraged to take more initiatives for exploiting the untapped potential of each other’s markets. Pakistan andMexico have good prospects for improving trade but the bilateral trade Rigures do not reRlect it.
SAARc ccI for increasing investment in agri-research AARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged the government for increasing investment in agriculture research to boost crop yield to strengthen food security in the country. In a statement, President SAARC CCI, Iftikhar Ali Malik urged the government foro granting interest free agricultural loans on soft terms and conditions to farmers at their doorsteps besides especial relief in water and power consumption. Talking to a delegation of progressive farmers headed by Muzaffar Ali Sial, he asked the farmers to adopt scientific methods to enhance food grain production and reduce imports by using one-fifth of their farming land to cultivate lentils. –CB Report
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Customs Adjudication adjourns 43 smuggling cases FAISALABAD: The Faisalabad Customs Adjudication adjourned 43 seizure cases worth Rs359.293 million during July 2017. According to the details, Customs Adjudication Collector Mirza Mubashir Baig has adjourned hearing of 14 cases worth Rs284.975 million pertaining to the seizures of various items. The cases were made by customs authorities. The collector directed the owners of seized goods and their counsel to present their arguments in next hearing.
Friday, August 18, 2017
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customs central Region collects Rs1168 million in first ten days of August LAHORE m hAYAT
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ustoms Central Region has collected Rs1168 million customs duty (CD) during the first ten days of August 2017. As per details the Customs Appraisement Lahore collected Rs884 million customs duty during the period under review while Customs Preventive Lahore collected Rs 79million during the ten days. On the other hand, the Customs Collectorate of Multan collected Rs129 million customs duty during the first ten days of the period under review. In the same way, the Collectorate of Customs Faisalabad collected Rs74 million customs duty during the first days of the period under review. Overall the Customs Central Region collected customs duty from all the four Collectorates worth Rs1168 million to achieve the targets. Sources said that the Customs Central Region is using all available resources to achieve revenue collection target of Fiscal Year 2017-18. Sources said that Central Region is already adopted a comprehensive strategy in this regard.
Swh kohat generates Rs19.42m of all duties & taxes KOHAT
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he Customs State Ware House (SWH) Kohat earned Rs19.42million of All Duties and Taxes during July FY17-18. The Customs State Ware House (SWH) Kohat got Rs435.00million of All Duties and Taxes during Financial Year 201617. According to details given by sources of Kohat Customs station
that, during July FY17-18, the SWH Kohat generated
Rs3.15million of Customs Duty (CD) while it did Rs0.45million of
miscellaneous surcharges. The SWH Kohat received Rs0.27million of Redemption Duty (RD) whereas it did Rs0.28million of Extra Duty Surcharge (EDS) Pak. The sources said that, during July FY17-18, the SWH collected Rs2.83million of Sales Tax (ST) while it did Rs0.23million of ST on Palm oil. Sources added that the SWH earned Rs2.93million of Additional Income Tax (AIT). Explaining the performance of corresponding FY16-17, sources said the SWH Kohat received Rs435.00million of All Duties and Taxes during Financial Year 2016-
Published by M S Raza O# 42, 3rd Flr Gull Plaza M.A Road Karachi, Printed by (Ibne Hassan Oset Printing Press, Shop No. 33 to 36 , Hockey Stadium, Karachi).
17 whereas it did Rs48.44million of CD while the SWH earned Rs6.06million of miscellaneous taxes. The sources told CT that, during FY16-17, the SWH generated Rs5.34million of RD imports and Rs5.74million of EDS Pak. The SWH got Rs36.25million of EDS F.E. Sources told CT that, during said period, the SWH collected Rs65.09million of ST. Sources said that, during FY16-17, the SWH earned Rs10.05million of ST on imports while it did Rs91.77million of AIT. The SWH Kohat received Rs166.29million of AIT on Exports during FY16-17.