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Karachi, Wed February 15, 2017

ISLAMABAD

M FAIZAN

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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) Member Administration Muhammad Majid Qureshi has taken revolutionary administrative measures for the betterment of officials and especially for Grade 1 to Grade 16 employees of Federal Board of Revenue. It is worth men-

tioning that that after assuming the charge on February 8, 2016 as Member Administration he has not availed a single leave. During an exclusive interview with Customs Today, he said that this is also in his credit that after hectic efforts “Fixed FBR Incentive” allowance for the FBR employees and its field formations were sanctioned. The Member Administration also undertook the budget exercise successfully, ensuring secrecy and efficiency, which was

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also appreciated by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. He said that “after assuming the charge I focused on solving problems of lower staff to speed up recruitment, promotions and processing of pension cases.” He disclosed that recently Establishment Division has formerly approved to Pill 1,500 vacant posts from Grade 1 to 15 in the Federal Board of Revenue and its Pield formation ofPices and process of recruitment will start soon after full Pilling all the formalities.

DG Valuation rejects petition filed

by M/s Alpha Dairies, others

Haroon to visit Karachi next week to review revenue collection measures

Pakistan emerging as rapidly growing economy says Ahsan Iqbal

Customs ASO working devotedly: Chief Collector Samaira Nazir

Collector S arfraz to present Multan Customs revenue report

DGValuation SyedTanveer has issued Order in Revision No. 302-72017 under section | See pAge 02 |

Haroon Akhtar will hold a series of meetings with the members of Overseas | See pAge 03 |

Pakistan emerging as one of the most rapidly growing economies, said Ahsan | See pAge 04 |

Chief Collector Samaira has said that Customs Preventive ASO is working | See pAge 14 |

A meeting was held at the MCC to discuss revenue collection of seven months | See pAge 16 |

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Dry Port surpasses CD target with Rs326.441m collection Wednesday, February 15, 2017

National

ISLAMABAD: The Customs Dry Port, Islamabad, not only achieved the target but also surpassed the customs duty target of Rs 56.441 million as it had collected revenue of Rs 326.441 million under the head of customs duty (CD) during January, Financial Year FY2016-17.

According to details told by Assistant Collector Amanat Khan that above said surplus collection figures showed that dry port collected excellent revenue during January 201617. He said the Islamabad Dry Port was assigned the revenue collection target of Rs270million under the head of CD during January FY16-17.

Dg Valuation rejects petition filed

by M/s Alpha Dairies, others

KARACHI

KARACHI

M BILAL

cuStoMS BuLLetIN report

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has dismissed the reference application on non-prosecution filed by Commissioner Inland Revenue Legal Division (RTO), challenging impugned order of the appellate tribunal for recovery of income tax from M/s TCS Logistics (Private) Limited.

A two-member bench, comprising Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi and Justice Arshad Hussain Khan, was hearing the reference. After the hearing, the court dismissed reference application and observed in its order, “Instant reference applications are pending since 2010 without lawful progress, whereas, notices have been issued to the applicant’s department and during all this period no one has shown appearance on behalf of the applicant department. It appears that the applicant has lost interest to proceed with the matter which is accordingly, dismissed for non-prosecution along with listed applications”. Earlier, counsel for the applicant stated that it has issued notice to the respondent for recovery of income tax, however, being aggrieved, respondent approached the appellate tribunal which was allowed and set aside order of the tax department.

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n his order, the Director General Customs Valuation stated that hearing in this case was Pixed on 26-12-2016 but no one appeared. Another hearing was Pixed on 10-01-2017 but no one appeared for hearing again. No written reply was submitted by any of the eight petitioners. Even adjournment was not sought by any petitioner. It seems that importers / petitioners are not interested in presenting their view point and defend the case. In view of the court’s order / Pixing dead line to decide the case, I am constrained to decide it on the basis of available record and merits of the case. Perusal of this contents of the writ petition No.9439/2012 Piled by M/s. Alpha Dairies Lahore rePlects that the MCC Lahore had applied this Customs Department value vide Valuation Ruling No.414/2012 dated 17-01-2012 on the import of consignment of paper board with printing and lamination one side aluminum and multilayer polymer tape from China. The petitioners did not agree with the assessment made on the basis of the Valuation Ruling No.414/2012 on their subject import.

He said that I have liberated on the record of the case and submissions by the departmental representative. The petitioner did not ap-

Shc dismisses reference filed by commissioner-Ir on non-prosecution

pear for hearing. Therefore, the case is decided after examining of the case record on merits. No merit was found in the written submissions of the petitioners being lacking supportive evidence. The submissions were well founded and based on legal grounds, which cannot be ignored. In view of the above facts, and legal inPirmities, the review petition does not merit consideration

and is hereby rejected.

Meanwhile, The Directorate General of Customs Valuation revised the customs value of glass chatons sheet/hot fix sheet with glass chatons through Valuation Ruling No: 1035/2017 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969.

According to details, the customs values of glass chatons sheets/hot fix sheet with glass chatons were

circulated vide VDB letter No: 46 dated October 30, 2016. It was deemed expedient to issue a Valuation Ruling hence an exercise was conducted to determine customs values of glass chatons sheets/hot fix sheet with glass chatons in line with current price trend in the international market. Sources said that meetings in this regard with stakeholders were scheduled.

Additional collector Saima Aftab hears two cases T

FAISALABAD

NAeeM SheIkh

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he Customs Adjudication Additional Deputy Collector Saima Aftab has conducted the hearing of two smuggling cases worth Rs 4,273,317 forwarded by Customs Intelligence and Investigation.

Sources told Customs Today that additional collector heard a case Piled against M/s Digicon Trading which is allegedly involved in smug-

gling of Q-Mobile phones (1530 numbers) worth Rs22,83,280.

Sources said that Additional Collector Saima Aftab also heard case of Mudassar Hussain and others involved in smuggling of material along with vehicle. The party evaded customs duty and taxes worth Rs19,90,037.

During hearing customs counsel said that container was being used for transportation of smuggled goods and was plying on road without payment of duty taxes. The Cus-

toms Intelligence team seizes items according to customs rule and regulation. After conducting hearing of cases, Additional Collector Customs Adjudication adjourned hearing of all cases until next dates. The additional deputy collector directed all relevant parties to make ensure their appearance during next date of hearing.

Meanwhile, The Customs Intelligence and Investigation, Faisalabad, has seized different smuggled Iranian origin glassware and

plastic-ware worth Rs1.6million involving customs duty and taxes of Rs852000. Sources told Customs Today that Additional Director Customs, Faisalabad, Azmat Tahira received a tip-off regarding the smuggling of above said items. She formed a raiding team comprising Superintendent Zahid Raza Bukhari, Senior Intelligence Officer Muhammad Tahir, Intelligence Officers Muhammad Saleem, Mansoor Nasir and Sepoys Ajmal Hussain and Muham-

mad Musaddiq Ahmad. The customs team intercepted a trailer with registration No: TLS-443 near Rajana Road, Kamalia, Toba Take Singh. The trailer was loaded with glassware weighed 18538 kg and plastic-ware did 810 kg of Iranian origin. The team asked the driver of the vehicle, identified as Muhammad Ishaq son of Abdul Qadoos, resident of Killi Janiping Ali, Noshki Chungi, to prove the legal status of the goods but he failed.

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DG Valuation issues reference values of feeding tube, Yankaure handle KARACHI: The Directorate General of Customs Valuation issued the reference values of feeding tube and Yankaure handle/tube.

According to details, the Directorate General initiated an exercise to develop database values for different items wherein it has been observed that declarations are wide range and do not correctly reflect values of the items as traded in the international market.

During the scrutiny of previous clearance data, it was been observed that feeding tube falling under PCT headings 9018.3990 are being assessed at different values and certain transactions are on very low side.

Dg Valuation revises customs value of glass chatons sheet

Wednesday February 15, 2017

National

haroon to visit karachi next week to review revenue collection measures

KARACHI

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he Directorate General of Customs Valuation revised the customs value of glass chatons sheet/hot fix sheet with glass chatons through Valuation Ruling No: 1035/2017 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. According to details, the customs values of glass chatons sheets/hot fix sheet with glass chatons were circulated vide VDB letter No: 46 dated October 30, 2016. It was deemed expedient to issue a Valuation Ruling hence an exercise was conducted to determine customs values of glass chatons sheets/hot fix sheet with glass chatons in line with current price trend in the international market.

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FIA arrests human smuggler from toba tek Singh FAISALABAD

NAeeM SheIkh

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he Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a person who is allegedly involved in human trafficking. Sources told to Customs Today, that FIA received information that a human smuggler is running illegal business of sending people abroad after extorting huge amount from them. The authorities constituted a team under the supervision of Deputy Director Syed Imam Ali Zaidi and Inspector Sohail Awan. The team raided the residential place and arrested Muhammad Ramzan son of Muhammad Abdullah. FIA team also recovered fake documents, medical documents, visa stamps of different countries and other illegal documents from the residence of human smugglers.

It is necessary to mention here that accused extorted Rs.8,85,000 from Muhammad Asif Nadeem for overseas employment to Saudi Arabia.

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ISLAMABAD

M FAIZAN

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inister of State for Revenue Haroon Akhtar Khan will hold a series of meetings with the members of Overseas Chamber of Commerce and Industry and also with the members of Pakistan Business Council during his three-day visit to Karachi starting next week.

He will leave for Islamabad on the evening of February 8 and will also hold meetings with chief commissioners and chief collectors.

These meeting will be held in OICCI building, PBC Building, Large Taxpayer Unit and Modal Customs Collectorate Karachi.

The main purpose of minister’s visit to Karachi is to increase revenue collections and speed up the efforts to achieve collection target.

He will take the business community in conPidence regarding the benami transaction law.

Sources said that Haroon Akhtar believed the FBR could achieve the revenue target of Rs 3,621 billion because the board has potential for tax collection. After the Karachi visit, he will to to Lahore.

Meanwhile, The Customs Dry Port, Islamabad, not only achieved the target but also surpassed the customs duty target of Rs 56.441 million as it had collected revenue of Rs 326.441 million under the head of customs duty (CD) during Janu-

ary, Financial Year FY2016-17.

According to details told by Assistant Collector Amanat Khan that above said surplus collection Pigures showed that dry port collected excellent revenue during January 2016-17. He said the Islamabad Dry Port was assigned the revenue collection target of Rs270million under the head of CD during January FY16-17. He said the dry port collected revenue of Rs307.965million under the head of CD during De-

Sources said that haroon Akhtar believed the FBr could achieve the revenue target of rs 3,621 billion because the board has potential for tax collection. After the karachi visit, he will to to Lahore

FBr imposes no indirect tax in last five years

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ISLAMABAD

cuStoMS BuLLetIN report

www.customsbulletin.com he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has not imposed any new indirect tax during the last Pive years. This act has been taken with an objective to reduce reliance on indirect taxation as well as to lessen the ratio of indirect taxes in the revenue collection.

The revenue collection of Federal Board of Revenue has been registering a worthwhile growth and

both the direct taxes and indirect taxes are contributing in the growth.

“Major indirect taxes in the domain of the Federal Board of Revenue are customs duties, sales tax and federal excise duty (FED) and only rates of duties and taxes have been rationalized,” a source at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) told Customs Today.

Moreover, the source said that exemptions and zero-rating available under the Sales Tax Act, 1990 had been withdrawn particularly during the last three years in pursuance of policy of

the Federal Government to minimize exemptions. It may be noted that dairy products sold in retail packing under a brand name have been subjected to reduced rate of 10 percent. The source maintained that the only indirect tax that might be treated as imposed during the past Pive years was further tax under section 3 (1A) of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 which currently was leviable at the 2% on sales to unregistered persons and rationale behind imposition of further tax was to promote documentation of the economy.

cember FY16-17. He further said the dry port was assigned Rs260million CD target for above said period, the dry port was collected revenue of Rs285.858million against the assigned target of Rs245million for November FY2016-17 under the head of CD. The assistant collector dry port told Customs Today that the dry port Islamabad collected revenue of Rs261.737million against the assigned target of Rs225million.

Modaraba sector’s assets grow 11pc ecent reforms and strengthening of regulatory framework by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has pushed up modaraba sector’s asset base by 11 per cent to Rs41 billion in six months ending Dec 2016, participants at a seminar were informed. At the event, organised by SECP and Center for Excellence in Islamic Finance (CEIF) IM Sciences.

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Exports decline by 3.21% in 7 months ISLAMABAD: Exports from the country witnessed decrease of 3.21 percent during the first seven months of the current fiscal year as against the corresponding period of last year. According to data released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the exports during July-January (2016-17) were recorded at $11.685 billion compared to the exports of $12.073 billion in July- January (2015-16).

The imports into the country during the period under review increased by 13.65 percent by going up from $25.617 billion last year to $29.113 billion during the current fiscal year.

Wednesday February 15, 2017

Business

‘pak emerging as rapidly growing economy’ KARACHI

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akistan emerging as one of the most rapidly growing economies, said Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal.

He was delivering a lecture on ‘China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)’ at the Karachi University campus on Monday. An ofPicial of the institution said in a statement that the talk was held under the auspices of the institution’s Applied Economic Research Center (AERC). The Minister highlighted the signiPicance of CPEC and pointed out that there is no development without roads

27,805 metric ton meat exported KARACHI

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bout 27,805 metric ton of meat and meat products exported during first six months of current financial year. During the period from July-December 2016, the country earned US$ 105.690 million by exporting the meat and meat products. According to the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, in first two-quarters of current financial year, other food items worth US$ 337.183 million were exported. During last six months food commodities worth US$ 1.659 billion were imported.

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and infrastructure. Ahsan Iqbal said that CPEC was set to be launched in September 2014 but due to political instability and ‘Dharnas’ it was de-

layed till April 2015 when Chinese president visited Islamabad.

He stated that in the wake of CPEC, Pakistan could establish an

economic zone of 3 billion people in the region being the bridge between South Asia, Central Asia and China. India feels upset due to CPEC as it will be isolated in the region, he remarked. The Minister also lauded the research credentials of Karachi University’s AERC and said that it must be one of our think thanks for economic policy making.

He added that India planted its undercover agent Kulbhushan Yadav to disturb CPEC project but he was captured by our agencies. Ahsan Iqbal further pointed out that the West was now commending the CPEC. Gwadar port is an important part of CPEC and it has no comparison with any sea port of the region.

‘We are building a new airport and plan to make Gwadar an international standard port city by 2030.

ecc approves proposal of issuing sovereign guarantee T

ISLAMABAD

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he Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) accorded approval to proposal of Ministry of Water and Power for issuance of Sovereign Guarantee in respect of syndicated term Pinance facility for the Power Sector. The ECC meeting was chaired by Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here. Another proposal by the Ministry of Water and Power on Wihholding

Tax on dividend for HVDC Transmission Line from Matiari to Lahore, was deferred for inter-ministerial discussion and re-submission to the ECC thereafter. The ECC also had a detailed discussion on the proposal by the Ministry of Industries and Production for release of Rs. 1035.202 million to Utility Stores Corporation(USC) on account of maintaining subsidized prices of 11 essential items.

However, the Chair with consensus of the house deferred the matter of release of funds and directed for a special audit of the sale-purchase

prices of certain items, within 15 days to determine the need for release of the amount of subsidy.

Earlier, Secretary Water and Power on the occasion gave a short presentation on performance of power sector for the years 2014-16.

He said that in line with the vision of the Prime Minister, Mohammad Nawaz Sharif, all possible efforts had been made for development and strengthening of the power sector.

With concerted efforts there has been considerable decrease in load shedding in the country.

Discos, NtDcL projects may be included in cpec LAHORE

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everal projects of power distribution companies (Discos) and the National Transmission and Dispatch Company Limited (NTDCL) are likely to be made part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in future as a joint working group comprising senior officials from the two countries is working on the plan. As per the details the functions and scope of work of Discos and the NTDCL and their mega projects planned to be completed over next five years have been shared with the Chinese in various sessions of a high-level meeting held in Islamabad a couple of days ago, it is learnt. Official sources said that none of the electricity transmission- and distribution-related projects, except one, had become part of the CPEC so far and the government felt that these were necessary to be completed for smooth transmission, dispatch and distribution in parallel with various underconstruction and future power generation projects with the financial support of China. “Some days ago, the water and power ministry asked top officials of two Discos Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) and Islamabad Electric Supply Company.

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‘All possible support to provide quality items to consumers’ KARACHI

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overnment is providing every possible support to Pakistan Standards Quality and Control Authority (PSQCA) to ensure provision of quality food items to the consumers, said Federal Minister for Science and Technology Rana Tanveer Hussain on Monday.

He said that presently, the au-

thority has 108 mandatory items on its list and very recently ‘Milk’ has also been included in the mandatory list of PSQCA. Up till now licenses to six brands have been issued and licensing process for others are underway which shall hopefully be completed within this month, Rana Tnveer said.

He said that equipment worth Rs.40 million have been provided for upgradation of PSQCA Labs that illustrates the government’s determina-

tion of its up-gradation. The Mobile Lab of PSQCA has also been refurbished and will be deployed at different stations/markets/bazars for on the spot checking of daily use items, the minister said.

The Government is committed for recruitment of highly qualiPied and competent staff in PSQCA for which interview process to hire 76 Engineers/Scientists had been completed. The Federal Minister for Science and Technology Rana Tanveer

Hussain said that PSQCA has already establishing new ofPices/labs facilities at Quetta the minister said and added that the work in this regard will start next month.

PSQCA is also aiming to establish Asian Institute of Standards (AIS) at Islamabad for which preparatory work with regard to preparation of PC-1 is underway. The Federal Minister said that the National Assembly Standing Committee on Science and Technology has also advised

PSQCA to include Wheat Flour in the list of mandatory items so that appropriate activities are Initiated to ensure the supply of quality Wheat Flour to the consumers. They are also undertaking the standard preparation ‘on FortiPied Wheat Flour. In order to expend the activities of PSQCA, the minister said that he have directed to open new zones and ofPices throughout the country for which Federal Government will provide every possible support.

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Wednesay, February 15, 2017

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ISLAMABAD

M ArShAD

www.customstoday.com

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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), in a bid to reduce the import of luxury items in the country in the wake of their worse impacts on both local industry as well as flight of precious foreign exchange reserves, has taken a number of measures.

Since the Global Financial Crisis, the risks posed by rising inequality have become ever more evident. Not only are some academics blaming the global crisis on rising inequality, but also the shallow Higher ratio of import of luxury items in the total quantum of import, results in local currency depreciation, and spendthrift expenditure of foreign exchange reserves earned through exports as well as remittances.

Therefore, a well placed official source at FBR told Customs Today that regulatory duty at the rates of five to thirty percent had been imposed on the import of around 400 luxury items, which

include perfumery, cosmetics, toilet the gross domestic product (GDP). Inpreparations, articles of leather, fab- ternational trade has a significant rics, clothing accessories, air-condi- economic, social, and political imtioning machines, watches, furniture, portance in many countries. Imports toys and video games etc. provide countries with access to Moreover, the regulatory duty has goods and services from other nabeen imposed in addition to the custions. Without imports, a country toms duty, sales tax and withwould be limited to the goods and holding tax on the import services within its own borders of such items. Various rates of customs duty from 50% to 100% have been imposed on import of cars and jeeps depending upon engine capacity.

The source said that in result of aforesaid measures taken by the FBR, the average monthly e sis, th i r c import bill on luxury l a anci ve items had declined sigal Fin it y ha b l o a l u g q nificantly.

Average ine the nl y S ince rising Not o y monthly revenues . b t n d e e os vid e from these imports risks p ver more e ing th m a l e however declined b e cs but becom e ac ademi marginally too. ality, u q e m n i It is worth mentioning ing a re s o on ris s i w s that in most countries i r c l shallo e h t globa international trade and also importing goods represents a significant share of

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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

praising pakistan’ economy

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ccording to a report by a US news and analysis organization, the progress of Pakistan is vital for the entire region due to various reasons. A nation of 200 million, Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world and a nuclear power. A recent development in Pakistan in the form of an economic corridor has changed the dynamics of the regional economy and security issue is now directly linked with the Chinese interests. But the country is facing various issues, including substandard education system, rising trade deficits and minimal investment, especially from western nations.

The country has been oscillating between political chaos and military rules since independence. At present, only China is the main investor in the country and its companies are owning various state owned entities in Pakistan.

A good point is that the era of political turmoil is almost over, but there is always room for improvement and the government will have to streamline its affairs. The country has also been facing energy crisis and water shortage for the last many decades. When various regional countries are continuing to consolidate their economic gains, Pakistan is titled as the most underrated economy of the year. However, despite all odds, Pakistan has a highly bullish stock market and surging foreign exchange reserves. The equity market of the country registered a 46 percent growth last year and its performance is regarded as better than China and India. The gross domestic growth is likely to record five percent growth this year and normalcy has returned to the country. The positive report is no doubt a blow of fresh air, but the government should not fully rely on foreign media reports. Terrorist incidents have though significantly reduced during the last three years and poverty rate has declined by 50 percent, but threats to peace are still real and some urgent steps are required to alleviate poverty in the country. As a matter of fact, poor administration and mismanagement are the main enemies of this country. The exports are falling and trade deficits are increasing, but the government has so far failed to create industrial surplus and introduce a reasonable trade policy. Unless the present leadership works on war footings during its remaining tenure in the office, it will be difficult for it to claim success in the next elections.

economy in 2050 P

LAHORE

Dr AFtAB AFZAL

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ricewaterhouseCoopers, a multinational professional services network headquartered in London, has projected that Pakistan’s economy will become the 16th largest by 2050 based on its gross domestic product at purchasing power parity. A report ‘The Long View How Will the Global Economic Order Change by 2050’, released by the service earlier this month, also projected a number of emerging economies such as Indonesia, Brazil and Mexico, which will overtake UK and France, and Pakistan will overtake

Italy and Canada, which are currently ranked at 12th and 17th places in the global GDP index. According to the report, the new players are taking the centre stage, including Pakistan which will climb to 20th place with $1.87trillion gross domestic product by 2030 and to 16th place with $4.2trillion by 2050 from the current 24th place with GDP at PPP amounting to $988billion.

However, according to real market exchange rate, the country’s economy will rise from the current $284billion to $776 GDP by 2030 and to $2.8trillion by 2050. Report says that gross domestic product at purchasing power parity offers better scale to assess

the volume of goods and services produced by the economy.

The gross domestic product at real market exchange rate provides a scale to judge value of goods and services produced by an economy. The report dubs China as the largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity and has overtaken the United States. India, which is currently stands in third place, is projected to overtake the United States by 2050. France will not be able to hold its current position as the 10th largest economy of the world and the UK will fall to 10th place. Indonesia will be the fourth largest economy of the world by 2050.

The global economy would

be more than double by 2050.

The report is based on the assumption that the emerging markets will introduce growth-friendly policies and will continue to work as the engine of growth for the world economy.

The plus point of Pakistani economy is that it is resilient and the worst part is that it has a hostile country in the east. Islamabad wants business and trade relations with India and other countries in the region. However, Pakistan cannot do it alone. The economies in South Asia are changing and sincere efforts are required to maintain peace and enhance volume of trade within the regional countries.

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Iran to liquidate two gas companies TEHRAN: Deputy oil minister, while pointing to dissolution of two NIGC subsidiaries, said they will be liquidated due to their non-economic activities. Managing Director of National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) Hamidreza Araghi expounded on details of dissolving Natural Gas Storage Company (NGSC) and Iranian Gas Commercial Company (IGCC) saying “before finalizing the decision on their liquidation, talks have been held with Iranian Privatization Organization (IPO) for handing over the two subsidiaries of NIGC.” The official stressed that missions of the two firms had no economic justification asserting “given that privatizing the two companies would prove unattractive, decisions were made to dissolve them.” He emphasized that liquidation of NGSC and IGCC had been put on the agenda though no exact date has been envisaged for the process; “in the current situation, the legal process is underway for dissolution of the two gas companies.”

Dc Salman to inspect construction of Jaranwala drain FAISALABAD

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eputy Commissioner Faisalabad Sulman Ghani along with NESPAK officials will personally visit Khurianwala-Jaranwala Road to address reservations of industrialists regarding construction of 4 feet high drain along this road. A delegation headed by President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) Engineer. Muhammad Saeed Sheikh met DC Faisalabad in his office here and informed him that this construction may disturb the topography of the entire region and hence the plinth level of existing factories may kindly be maintained. He also demanded

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immediate remedial measures required to resolve this issue on sustained basis and in best interest of the public at large.

The delegation was comprised of Mian Ajmal Farooq, Chairman Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA), Mian Shehzad Sami of Arshad Group and Hafiz Enghineer Ihtisham Javed, Chairman All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association (APTPMA). President FCCI further told that if the specifications of the said drain have been finalized, even then the factory owners on the other side of this drain must be allowed to drain out their water affluent through pumping into this drain. “In this connection at least 4 to 5 road cuts at appropriate distance should also be allowed”, he said and added that Khurrianwala- Jaranwala road is used for heavy trailers. Hence the bearing capacity of this road should be at least 60 MT. He thanked Deputy Commissioner for his patient hearing and told that Mr. Sulman Ghani along with NESPAK officials will personally visit this road at 11.00 am on WednesdayFeb, 2017.

Wednesday February 15, 2017

Chambers

Shahbaz directs LDA to regularize existing industrial units C

LAHORE

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hief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has directed Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to regularize the existing industrial units that was a longstanding demand of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif and also attended by the LCCI President Abdul Basit, former Senior Vice President Almas Hyder and representatives of different government departments including Lahore Development Authority. Chief Minister also directed Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to reserve areas for the opening of new industries to expedite the process of industrialization. He said that this step would not only facilitate the business community but would also curb the air of harassment that was surrounding the business community.

The LCCI President Abdul Basit while appreciating the Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif’s decision, said that this initiative would go a

long way as it would not only pave way for much-needed foreign direct investment and bring in precious foreign exchange but would also help trust building of the local businessmen. The LCCI President hoped that this healthy liaison of the Punjab government with the business community would continue in future. However, he said, this expan-

sion should also go to Ferozepur Road and Raiwind Lilyani Road.

The LCCI President said that new investment is a must to groom economic activities in Punjab therefore all options should be utilized to attract local and foreign investors. He stressed the need for a regular consultation mechanism to ensure result-oriented research studies to the

Qatar chamber hopes to resume eu-gulf cooperation council FtA talks

A DOHA

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fter negotiations were stalled in 2008, private sector leader Qatar Chamber is hoping that talks on a free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council would resume to further develop EU and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) economies, an ofPicial has said.

Qatar Chamber vice chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari made the statement before 200 participants of a networking session between Qatari businessmen and their EU counterparts at the chamber’s headquarters yesterday.

“I’d like to seize this opportunity to express that Qatar Cham-

ber hopes to resume talks on the EU-GCC free trade agreement, which has been suspended in 2008. Indeed, there is a real desire and keenness in the GCC to find common bases that will help resume these negotiations for the benefits of EU and GCC economies,” al-Kuwari said.

Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event, Lucie Berger, head of Trade Delegation of EU to the GCC, explained that EU member states present in the meeting included Spain, Portugal, Romania, Germany, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Greece, Austria, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and the UK. She said the participating EU companies specialise in sectors

like renewable energy and energy efficiency, construction, real estate, health, education, sports, tourism, and food and agriculture.

“The EU is the number one trading partner for Qatar. The GCC, as a whole, is our fourth export market and Qatar is the third largest economy for the EU in the GCC after Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In terms of import, Qatar is almost similar to the UAE,” she said. Al-Kuwari said Qatar-EU total trade volume reached $18.1bn in 2015. Major Qatari imports from EU countries include vehicles, rolling stock, tools and equipment, electrical machinery and equipment, articles of iron and steel, optical photographic cinema graphic, plastics and its products, iron and steel, and fresh or chilled vegetables.

stakeholders. He said that sectors, opportunities and locations in Punjab should be identiPied for investment. Abdul Basit said that research is critical to take a strategic approach to planning or economic growth and improved productivity. It is only through economic growth and improved productivity that we could create employment opportunity.

uS trade deficit widens to $504 bln he US trade deficit rose to a four-year high in 2016, due in part to a stronger dollar and weaker global economies.

Despite the overall increase of 0.4 percent over the year to $502.3 billion, the trade deficit, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, actually decreased for the month of December by 3.2 percent to $44.3 billion. For December, exports came in 2.7 percent higher at $190.7 billion as global demand for goods such as aerospace, biotechnology and electronics soared. U.S. President Donald Trump attributed most of the losses to failed trade policies, which he believes have cost U.S. citizens millions of jobs over the years.

Keeping in line with his campaign promises, Trump has already withdrawn the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a major accomplishment by former President Barack Obama’s administration. –CB Report

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ANF foils attempt to smuggle heroin from Lahore airport Wednesday February 15, 2017

National Faisalabad customs recovers rs 5.560m from M/s Ittifaq Foundries FAISALABAD

NAeeM SheIkh

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LAHORE: The Anti-Narcotics Force deputed at Allama Iqbal International Airport arrested a narcotics smuggler. The accused was trying to smuggle 1.5 kilogram fine quality heroin from Lahore to Kuala Lumpur through Malindo Air flight # 132.

Reportedly, when a resident of Faisalabad Tahir Mehmood entered the airport lounge, the ANF staff started searching him.

The ANF staff recovered 1.5 kilogram heroin from his luggage. The accused was handed over to the ANF staff for legal proceeding. A case was registered against the accused on the report of the officials.

Additional collector declares seizure of toyota Land crusier as legal C

FAISALABAD

IQrA ShehZADI

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he Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) recovery branch recovered Rs 5.560 million in the wake of differential amount from Faisalabad based company M/s Ittifaq Foundries. Sources told Customs Today, that Deputy Collector recovery branch Rana Falik Shair started a survey for the recovery of outstanding taxes. He formed a special team under the supervision of Superintendent Muhammad Mukhtar, which also included Inspector Muhammad Faizi Raza, and UDC Abdul Sattar and others. Sources said that company imported steanless steel tubes and pipes through ex bond GDs in the year 1991 for installation in M/s Ramzan Sugar Mills. The goods were clear against exemption under SRO-560(1)90 dated 706-1990 read with CBRs certificate for deletion program. Subsequently, the outstanding amount was adjusted against the importer on the ground that specification of imported goods.

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FIA detains human-trafficker ederal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a humantrafficker Nasir Maseeh from Sambrial city on Tuesday. According to FIA Deputy Director Khalid Anees, the accused was sending the innocent people abroad illegally after getting big amounts. Meanwhile, The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested a human trafficker from Jhang during an action.

Sources told Customs Today that Deputy Director FIA Syed Imam Zaidi and Sub Inspector Taimoor Haider conducted raid at his residential place along with FIA team and arrested a human trafficker who was identified as Muhammad Shouqat Hayat son of Muhammad Ali who is a resident of Jhang. –CB Report

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ustoms Adjudication Additional Collector Beelam-urRamzan has issued Orderin-Original (ONO) against the owner of the vehicle Asif Farooq son of Muhammad Aslam who is a resident of Islamabad and driver of the vehicle Tahir Ali Qureshi son of Abdul Khaliq Qureshi who is a resident of Karachi. The additional collector also ordered to seize the smuggled vehicle. As per the details, Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) team impounded a nonduty Toyota Land Cruiser bearing registration number BF4209, model 2011, colour black.

The team asked the driver identified himself as Asif Farooq and

Tahir Ali Qureshi to produce legal customs-duty paid documents but he was failed to produce the same. On this the customs authorities impounded the vehicles.

The examination team of Faisalabad Customs along with representative of Faisalabad Dry Port Trust (FDPT) during examination observed that the condition as well good of the vehicle

and smuggled one.

It is necessary to mention here after impounded the vehicle neither importer nor his authorised person approached for clearance of their consignment.

Later, the case was sent to the adjudication for further legal action. Superintendent Sardar Mohammad, Inspector Abdul Jabbar, Safdar Ali and Masood Saeed Chohan , Mr. Ali Zahid appeared before the authority, while no one appeared to defend the case from respondent’s side nor any written reply was received from the respondent.

Therefore, Customs Adjudication Additional Collector Beelamur Ramzan ordered to impound the vehicle under clause 14 of Section 156 (1), 157(1) and (2) of the Customs Act. 1969.

ptcL caught for tax evasion, mis-declaration T

ISLAMABAD

M FAIZAN

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his is the third time that M/s Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited has been allegedly apprehended by the Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Rawalpindi at AFU of Islamabad Airport in a case of mis-declaration and duty and tax evasion on import of goods worth Rs 8.244 million.

According to the details, Directorate of Customs I&I has seized the imported goods, 64 Ports VDSL-2 Combo line card with G. Vector 200 numbers while 300 number cards were already cleared vide GD No. 10699 on 26th January 2017. As per original description M/s PTCL had imported 64 Ports VDSL-2 Combo line Card with G. Vector but with the connivance of clearing agent M/s RIL Logistics (Private) Limited 129/E-1 Main Boulevard Gullberg-II Lahore PTCL mis-declared the Description and showed it supply of 600 MSAGS with VDSL+ solution on turnkey basis, (Power

Supply and Distribution 64 Port VDSL-2 Combo Line card with Vector). M/S PTCL has paid duty and taxes amount Rs 14,229,102. But the actual duty and taxes amount was Rs 22,473,210. Thus, M/s PTCL has evaded total amount Rs

8,244,108 by mis-declaration. According to the breakthrough M/s PTCL evaded 11% customs duty Rs6,678,905/- of 17 % sales tax amount Rs1,135,415 and 5.5 % withholding tax (WHT) amounting Rs429,788. It is pertinent to men-

tion here that M/s PTCL already facing cases of mis-declaration and tax evasion. After privatization of the PTCL, this is the third time when Customs Intelligence and investigation has unearthed the fraud of misdeclaration and tax evasion.

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CNG sales in Hungary break record in 2016 BUDAPEST: Sales of compressed natural gas (CNG) in Hungary grew by more than 50% in the first 11 months of 2016, compared to the same period in 2015, exceeding 11.243 million cubic meters of CNG, professional organization MGKKE said in a press statement sent to the Budapest Business Journal. In 2015, a total 8.004 million cubic meters of CNG was sold in Hungary. “Although we are still expecting the December data to come in, it can clearly be seen that demand has significantly grown in Hungary for CNG,” said Henrik Domanovszky of MGKKE. “The increasing demand is the result of many players working together,” he said, adding that society, businesses and government players must all come together for the successful spread of more environmentally friendly fuels.

Dg Valuation revises customs values of dry coconut KARACHI

wAQAr AhMeD ANSArI www.customsbulletin.com

he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs values of dry coconut through Valuation Ruling No: 1033/2017 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969.

According to details, customs values of different types of dry coconut /copra were determined and notified vide Valuation Ruling No: 497/2012 on November 28, 2012. Customs values mentioned in the said Valuation Ruling were more than four years old and higher valuation trends were observed. Therefore, an exercise was initiated to revise the Customs

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Values of various types of dry coconut/copra keeping in view the prevailing international and local market price trends. According to sources, a meeting for determination of customs values of dry coconut/copra with stakeholders was held on January 3, 2017 which was duly attended by all the stakeholders. The current international prices of the subject goods were discussed with the stakeholders and they then requested that the said Valuation Ruling may be reviewed in the light of prevailing international and local market prices. The Pakistan Karyana Merchants Association also submitted proposed C&F value of subject goods. Further, to determine the veracity of their stance, the stakeholders insisted that fresh market surveys be conducted from wholesales market for determination of customs values of dry coconut/copra. It was also highlighted for consideration that the subject goods are perishable items and therefore have got limited shelf life, consequently, near the expiry dates, these perishable items are sold on sale and discounted prices.

National

gawadar customs seizes non-duty paid hSD worth rs31.8m near turbat-pasni road

pcA detects duty, tax evasion of rs 20,574,841 by M/S khawaja canvas co LAHORE

M hAYAt

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irectorate of Customs Post Clarence Audit (PCA) has summoned M/s Khawaja Canvas Company in duty and tax evasion of Rs20,574,841 by on the import of tarpaulin. According to the details, the PCA Lahore observed that the import clearances data against HS Code 6306.1210 effected from various Model Customs Collectorate during the calendar years 2012 and 2013 revealed that inadmissible concession of sales tax and value added sales tax under the SRO 1125()/2011 dated 31.12.2011, wrongfully availed on the import of tarpaulin i.e. sun shedding which is specifically excluded from that ambit of said SRO and hence was not entitled for such benefit under the said SRO. It has been observed that importer had imported various consignments consisting of tarpaulin and got it cleared under PCT heading 6306.1210 with inadmissible concession under SRO 1125(I/201 1, dated 31.12.2011. Hence, it was said that the importers have short paid an amount Rs 20,574,841 sales tax, additional sales tax and income tax due to wrongful, concession under the SRO I 125(D/2011 dated 31.12.2011.

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M KARACHI

MuBeeN huSSAIN

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odel Customs Collectorate (MMC) Gawadar foiled a smuggling attempt and seized Iranian origin high speed diesel worth Rs31.8 million from Turbat-Pasni road.

According to the details, Customs Gawadar launched a massive operation against the smugglers of high speed diesel and contraband items in collaboration with intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

The customs Gawadar received a tip-off regarding transportation of smuggled diesel. The customs staff immediately established a check post at Turbat-Pasni road and started checking vehicles.

While searching, the customs staff intercepted Pive tankers Pilled with smuggled Iranian diesel. The drives tried to escape but after a long run the customs ofPicers nabbed the drivers.

During the search of the tankers the customs ofPicers found the Pive tankers were Pilled with the Iranian high speed diesel worth Rs31.8 million. The customs staff asked the drivers to produce documents re-

Wednesday February 15, 2017

garding legal possession and transportation of diesel. The all Pive drivers remained failed to provide any required document.

The customs staff conPiscated the foreign origin diesel and impounded the offending tankers. Sources said that the tankers were Pilled with 165000 liter high speed diesel and its market price was estimated as

Rs31.8 million. Meanwhile, in another raid the customs staff Ormara station seized 200 bottles of foreign origin liquor dumped near Hudh Goth, Ormara. The market value of the sized liquor is Rs 0.7 million. The customs Gawadar has registered separate cases and forwarded them to the customs I&P department for further proceeding.

cAt hears five references during first week

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ISLAMABAD

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ifferent benches of Customs Appellate Tribunal heard Pive customs references involving Model Collectorate of Customs and Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation, Islamabad during Pirst week of February.

Customs Appellate Tribunal’s single bench comprising Member, Syed Muhammad Anwar heard the case. The bench disposed of Haq Nawaz’z case by dismissing petitioner’s submission on release of vehicle. Customs Appellate Tribunal’s Division Bench comprising Member,

Syed Muhammad Anwar and Muhammad Nasir Khan heard the cases Piled by M/s Shngai Traders and Deputy Collector Customs, Dry Port, Islamabad, M/s Kohinoor Traders, M/s Five Star Trading, M/s Warid Telecom Private Limited and Haq Nawaz had Piled the references.

Through the petitions, deputy collector Customs, Dry Port, Islamabad had challenged the decision announced by departmental adjudication in favor of M/s Skyways Constructions Private Limited.

In this case the deputy had prayed the tribunal to decide on alleged short payment on sales tax by the M/S Skyways Constructions Private Limited. The case was built by

department’s audit section which found the short payment of Rs33,244,39 in head of sales tax.

M/s Shngai Traders had Piled case against Model Collectorate of Customs. Through the case the M/s Shngai Traders had challenged departmental decision in which it was found guilty of importing goods (submersible pumps) with false valuation. Customs authorities had seized these goods at Islamabad dry port and then registered a case with the imposition of Pine of Rs 1 million.

M/s Shngai Traders had challenged the decision before the tribunal.

Counsels from M/s Kohinoor Traders, M/s Five Star Trading appeared before the bench and de-

manded timed from the bench for Pinalizing preparations for the case.

The bench then directed the counsels to Pinalize the arguments and relating stuff and then appear before the bench next week.

M/s Kohinoor Traders, M/S Five Star Trading had Piled cases against Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation, Islamabad.

Meanwhile, the bench sought time to review documents in a case filed by M/s Warid Telecom Private Limited. The company had challenged an announcement made by the Model Collectorate of Customs, Islamabad. The bench adjourned hearing of the case till for next Wednesday.

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Iraq’s southern oil exports reduces in January Wednesday February 15, 2017

World

BASRA: Crude exports have gone down to 3.275 million barrels per day (bpd) whereas in December southern Iraq exported 3.51 million bpd. Iraq’s oil ministers settled on an agreement with oil producers to reduce overall output in accordance with the OPEC agreement.

In December, Iraq reported record crude production in its southern region.

After Saudi Arabia, Iraq is OPEC’s largest oil producer and agreed in November to agree to an oil cut in order for global oil prices to begin to recover from the huge downfall they have experienced in the last several months.

Jordan to launch JD14 million Japan approves $100m support for Iraq project in March BAGHDAD

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AMMAN

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mplementation of a multi-million-dollar project to enhance food security and agricultural productivity across the Kingdom will commence in March, according to a senior government ofPicial.

According to details, the mega-project will train people from all governorates on vocational agricultural skills and “agribusiness management”, and then secure them with funds to start their own food and animal production projects, Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat said. “The national project seeks to improve food security and self-sufPiciency in livestock and agricultural products, while securing people with a sustainable source of living,” Hneifat noted at a meeting with the press. The project is worth JD14 million, he said, highlighting that it is scheduled to be com-

pleted by the end of this year. Under the scheme, the Agriculture Ministry plans to train people across the Kingdom on vocational agricultural and agribusiness skills for two months before identifying in which agricultural or vocational Pield they seek to start their own businesses. The project also entails providing funding for proposed business ideas, Hneifat said,

noting that permanent markets will be established in each governorate to display the products of the small businesses which will be established under the mega scheme. The ministry has already secured JD650,000 for the two-month training, he noted, adding that it is in the process of securing the funding of the project from the World Food Program.

Afghan stones traders sign contracts taiwan: 20,000 electric motorcycle at India Stone Mart everal traders of marble, onyx other minerals, yet the industry resales in 2016 and lapis from Afghanistan mains underdeveloped. India Stone aiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs said that the sale of electric motorcycles reached 20,000 units last year, nearly double the previous year. Reportedly, the ministry said it would extend incentive measures for buyers this year, with the aim of doubling sales. Minister of Economic Affairs Lee Chih-kung announced the goal yesterday with a plan to extend battery charging stations nationwide to one per kilometer. As part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, the ministry has since 2009 adopted measures to encourage people to buy electric-powered scooters, with 60,000 units sold as of last year. To encourage more people to purchase electric scooters, Lee said the government has eliminated the commodity tax on them, a policy that will remain in effect until the end of 2021. –CB Report

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signed a number of contracts with international buyers at the India Stone Mart, the country’s largest stone industry exposition.

The event was held from February 2-5 at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Center and drew more than 25,000 guests and 15,000 traders from 60 countries.

“Afghanistan’s mountains hold massive reserves of marble and

Mart gives Afghan marble traders the opportunity to negotiate deals, network and make sales,” said Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industries Mohammad Qurban Haqjo.

“This not only contributes to the Afghan economy; it also has the important effect of attracting foreign investment in the Afghan mining sector.”–CB Report

apan approved a loan of about $100 million to support humanitarian, counterterrorism and infrastructure projects in Iraq, a Japanese embassy statement said. According to details, last month Japan agreed to lend Iraq up to 27.2 billion yen ($240 million) to rebuild damaged electricity infrastructure in areas recaptured from Islamic State. Iraq’s government income, which comes almost exclusively from oil exports, fell sharply when crude prices tumbled three years ago.

Meanwhile, Iraq’s foreign and domestic debts have surpassed US$100 billion, the parliament’s Pinance committee has revealed, ruling out changes to the budget.

Jabbar al-Abbadi, a member of the committee, said in press state-

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cuba sign ports deal with ASpA uba’s National Port Administration has signed a five-year cooperation agreement with Alabama State Port Authority to grow traffic between the Port of Mobile and Cuba. The memorandum of understanding marks the first ports agreement between the two nations signed on U.S. soil since 1959. “We are seeing increasing demand for normalized trade between the United States and Cuba, and it is our goal to foster relationships between the ports and their maritime communities to further changes in U.S. Cuban trade policy and facilitate improved

IQ posts Qr 3 billion profit in 2016

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DOHA

cuStoMS BuLLetIN report www.customsbulletin.com

ndustries Qatar (IQ) has posted a net proPit of QR3bn in 2016, the region’s industrial giant announced last night.

The net profit is down 34% on the previous year, mainly “impacted by weaker prices, and one-

off items.” Incorporated as a Qatari joint stock company in April 2003, IQ directly holds shares in the following subsidiaries or joint ventures Qatar Steel, Qapco, Qafco and Qafac.

“Reported results for the year are considered highly commendable considering the challenging macroeconomic and competitive environment in which the group was oper-

ments that the government, however, remains capable of secure employee salaries, pensions and to maintain the social security benePits based on current petroleum prices. In December, the Iraqi parliament passed an $85 billion budget bill for 2017, based on a projected US$42 price for an oil barrel.

Later in the same month, Iraq, after longtime reluctance, agreed to reduce its daily oil production by 210.000 barrels a day to 4.35 million barrels starting January in line with an historic OPEC agreement reached in a Vienna meeting designed to prop up petroleum prices and curb overproduction.

“Iraq has managed to overcome the world economic crisis that resulted from falling world oil rates,” al-Abbadi said. “International experts predict oil prices to continue rising to over US$60 per barrel over the next two years, which is a positive sign for Iraq and achieves a relative detente in the financial hardship.”

ating under during 2016. The year started on a cautionary note with oil prices falling below $30 per barrel and presented many challenges to the group during the year,” IQ said. “The low oil price environment had a direct and a signiPicant impact on the group’s petrochemical segment as prices remained very low in the early part of 2016. The lower oil prices presented greater opportu-

ocean carriage services to the benefit of our shippers,” said James K. Lyons, CEO of Alabama State Port Authority.

Until late last year, vessels calling at Cuba were barred from entering U.S. ports within 180 days of departure from Cuba. Following easement of U.S. Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) rules trade between Cuba and the deepwater port of Mobile is now expected to grow. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterborne Commerce Center ranked the Port of Mobile as the 10th -argest seaport in the U.S. in 2015. –CB Report

nities for the non-natural-gas-based petrochemicals producers (for example naphtha-based producers) to be more competitive and posed serious challenges for the gas-based petrochemical producers,” IQ said.

While the low oil price environment presented a lot of challenges for the petrochemical segment, the fertiliser segment was faced with other signiPicant issues.

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Man attempts to cross into Spain smuggled inside suitcase MADRID: A Moroccan woman was caught trying to smuggle a 19-year-old man across the border with Spain curled up inside a suitcase. The Spanish Civil Guard arrested the woman in Ceuta, one of Spain’s two enclave bordering Morocco, on December 30th.

The 22-year-old was caught after border guards observed her “acting suspiciously” as she waited in line to cross the border with a large suitcase. Her apparent nervousness led to officers asking her to open her suitcase. Inside, they discovered a man curled up in the airless case just moments away from suffocation. He is reportedly 19 and from Gabon although he carried no passport or other identification papers.

telia denies owing tax in Nepal for Ncell sale elia Company has commented on an edition of investigative TV programme ‘Uppdrag Granskning’ due to air on 08 February concerning the sale of its stake in Ncell to Axiata of Malaysia in April 2016. It said it is confident that it was right to pay tax on the deal in Norway, where the Telia subsidiary selling the company was based, as Norway has a double taxation deal with Nepal. Nepalese civil servants and politicians have told ‘Uppdrag Granskning’ that Telia Company should pay tax in Nepal for the sale of Ncell. CEO Johan Dennelind said Telia was asked by the local tax authorities in April 2016 to provide them with a tax declaration. It immediately replied that it did not believe that it was under any obligation to do so. It has not heard from the tax authorities since, he added. He told ‘Uppdrag Granskning’ that if it were to pay taxes that lack legal support, it would be acting irresponsibly. He added that the overall financial result of Telia Company’s investment in Nepal is likely to be a loss. –CB Report

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porto mayor mulls tourism tax ortugal’s second city could became the latest municipality to impose a tax on overnight stays, after the current mayor of Porto, Rui Moreira, said that the time is “ripe” to create such a levy on tourism, which is booming in the city. The tax should not be brought in until after the municipal elections later this year, however, he argued. “It would not be right to launch it now”, a few months before the elections, Moreira said in a speech at an event in the city. “But I think that the tourist tax is an interesting subject to debate” with candidates for mayor.

Moreira was elected mayor of Porto four years ago as an independent, and is standing again this time. He believes that revenue from the tourist tax should be used “to reduce the weight of the tourist footprint” that is, the impact on the city. –CB Report

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Najaf police seize 35 ancient artifacts hidden in vehicle

NAJAF

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ajaf Police Directorate said that it conPiscated 35 ancient artifacts belong to different eras, hidden inside a vehicle.

According to details, the directorate said that the province’s police conPiscated 35 different artifacts hidden inside a vehicle coming from al-Muthanna Province adding that these artifacts belong to various historic eras. “The artifacts will be sent to the Inspectorate of Antiquities and Heritage to check whether it is original or faux,” the

statement explained. “Also, the vehicle’s owner will be interrogated by the concerned authorities,” the statement added.

It is important to mention that the police forces are occasionally seizing different-size artifacts in the southern provinces of the country.

Meanwhile, Iraq reduced its oil production by around 180,000 barrels per day and plans to cut a further 30,000 bpd before the end of the month, the OPEC member’s oil minister said.

The cut came from a 4.75 million bpd level, Jabar Ali al-Luaibi told reporters at an industry event at Chatham House in London.

“We are abiding by OPEC policy and the OPEC agreement,” Luaibi

said. Iraq agreed to lower its production by 210,000 bpd under a deal struck in December between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producers led by Russia.

The Middle Eastern country, OPEC’s second-largest producer, had originally sought to be exempt from any cuts, saying it needed the revenue to Pight an Islamic State insurgency. “We are cutting from all Iraq,” Luaibi said, although he added that cuts to production started at Pields operated by national oil companies. He said the ministry had contacted international oil companies operating in the country about the cuts and so far received a “good response” from most of them.

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poland’s Lot to lease 3 B787-9s from Acg OT Polish Airlines (LO, Warsaw Chopin) has signed a firm agreement with Aviation Capital Group for the longterm lease of three B7879s the US-based lessor has confirmed in a statement. Sourced from ACG’s Boeing (BOE, Chicago O’Hare) order book, the first of the widebody twinjets is expected to be delivered in March 2018. They will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 powerplants and will be configured with twentyfour seats in Business, twenty-one in Premium, and 249 in Economy class.

Outlining the carrier’s proposed longterm expansion plan, LOT Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rafał Milczarski said in September last year the Polish carrier would operate sixteen B787 Family aircraft by 2020. It currently has eight B787-8s on order from Boeing (BOE, Chicago O’Hare) of which six have thus far been delivered. According to the ch-aviation route database, LOT’s B787-8s are currently deployed on scheduled flights from Warsaw Chopin to each of Beijing Capital, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles Int’l, New York JFK, Newark, Seoul Incheon, Tallinn Lennart Meri, Tokyo Narita, and Toronto Pearson.

The B787-9s will initially be deployed on LOT’s most popular routes which include such as New York and Chicago.

“At first Boeing 787-9 will operate flights to destinations in the United States of America. –CB Report

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kuwait customs chief sacked over container smuggling

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cuStoMS BuLLetIN report www.customsbulletin.com

uwait’s head of customs has been sent into retirement following a nationwide controversy over the smuggling of containers of liquor into the country.

The action against Khalid Al Saif

by Finance Minister Anas Al Saleh “based on the civil service laws and on public interest” was announced on Monday following high pressure from lawmakers who were highly

critical of how two containers had left Shuwaikh Port last week without being searched were later found to carry liquor.

Several MPs called for a parliamentary investigation that would have been the first by the parliament elected on November 26 with several of its members having pledging to fight all types of corruption and irregularities. The police identified the five suspects, all Indian nationals, involved in the smuggling of the containers past the customs.

The head of the gang was detained as he was about to leave Kuwait on Saturday while another suspect was also arrested in Kuwait and another in the UAE. The other suspects managed to reach India, the interior ministry said.

The questioned suspects confessed they had smuggled in another container that carried alcohol and firecrackers. However, several lawmakers said that they wanted the authorities to dig deeper into the issue, arguing that 11 containers had been smuggled

past the customs officers.

MP Thamer Al Suwait said that a parliamentary committee should be set up to look into irregularities at the port.

“This is a grave security concern that cannot be ignored, and the Pinance minister has to assume the responsibility,” the lawmaker said, quoted by Kuwaiti daily Al Rai on Tuesday. “We want the names of the owners of the companies that used the containers as we are not content with the names of those who are used as smokescreen.”

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FIA arrests alleged obscene videos-maker of minor boys Wednesday February 15, 2017

Lahore

LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials have arrested an accused for allegedly making obscene videos of minor boys.

The accused, identified as Nabeel, allegedly supplied drugs to schools and colleges of Lahore.

He was allegedly making the videos of young students who had consumed the drugs.

The FIA has shifted him to an undisclosed location for further investigations.

Meanwhile, The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials have arrested an accused for allegedly making obscene videos of minor boys.

pak-India trade slows down at wagah due to strict checking LAHORE

M IMrAN MehAr

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rade movement between Pakistan and Indian through Wagah-Attari land route continued to move at snail pace mainly due to lengthy and minute checking procedure by the authorities. Reportedly, the number of truckloads crossing the border from both sides has declined to 10-15 from earlier Pigure of 150 to 200 consignments.

However, the fruit and vegetable market was not affected so much because new crops of onion and potato have started to enter the markets, causing declining of rates.

The customs officials said that few trucks are crossing over to Pakistan through land route and a

prA issues another notice to pu on non-payment of tax he Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has issued another notice to University of Punjab (PU) on its non-payment of tax. According to sources of Customs Today, the PRA had served its notice on Punjab University which was in risk of defaulting Rs148million. The PRA had also served a show-cause notice two months ago on PU but the institution could not satisfy the PRA. Meanwhile, The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has issued sales tax notices to owners of 150 car showrooms in Lahore. PRA official told Customs Today that the PRA has decided to collect taxes from all car showrooms’ owners who are earning a lot but not paying any tax for national kitty. PRA has issued notices to 150 showrooms’ owners to pay their sales tax otherwise legal action will be taken against them.

Notices are served to the show room owners of Jail Road, Walton, Saman Abad and Johar Town. –M Imran Mehar

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small number of consignments of cement and gypsum from Pakistan are going to India.

Meanwhile, A high level delegation from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Chamber reached Lahore via Wagah border to attend its 68th executive committee meeting.

Customs officials deputed at Wagah border welcomed the guests with other members of different chambers of Pakistan.

Talking to the media at Wagah border, SAARC CCI vice president Iftikhar Ali Malik said that this is the first time that the executive committee meeting is taking place in Lahore to strengthen the objective of SAARC. He said that the business community advocates regional economic integration to address major challenges including job creation and poverty.

customs ASo working devotedly: chief collector Samaira Nazir

LAHORE

M hAYAt

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hief Collector of Customs Central Region Samaira Nazir has said that Customs

customs court adjourns hearing of 16 cases on wednesday

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he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling has adjourned 16 important cases for next hearing on Wednesday. As per the details available to Customs Today, the Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling heard a mobile smuggling case and 15 other cases which were adjourned until the next hearing.

The court has directed the lawyers concerned to present their arguments in the cases during the hearing. The Customs authorities had seized nearly

286 smuggled mobile phones at Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore from a passenger. Meanwhile, The Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has adjourned the hearing of mobile phone smuggling case. Earlier, the court had approved extension in judicial remand of an accused detained by the customs authorities deputed at Allama Iqbal International airport while he was making an attempt to smuggle cell phones from China to Lahore. –CB Report

Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization is working diligently and mega seizure of over 9300 bags of skimmed milk of Afghan Transit Trade is a testimony to the fact.

She was addressing a press conference held here at the Customs House Lahore Nabha Road. She said that the case is of immense impor-

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tance as it can be considered as one of the biggest case in the history of Punjab that any Customs establishment has done.

She said that the team has been motivated and instructed to conduct more such mega seizures to bring smuggling activities to its lowest ebb. Smugglers are also wellequipped and good on latest technology usage, hence, the Customs Central Region has also taken a number of measures to counter the smugglers, Nazir informed.

“We have stared training program for our Pield forces and are imparting them on modern lines which dePinitely will bring out good results,” she added.

She said investigations are underway in the seizure of the skimmed milk to discover more facts. To a question collector of Customs said that a seizure has been registered and sample would be sent to forensic laboratory so that it could be determined whether or not the skimmed milk is spurious and dangerous for the human health.

FIA nab man for extorting money

n FIA team has arrested a man, accused of extorting money from a person.

According to FIA spokesman, accused Hussain, son of Muhammad Sarwar of Faisalabad, extorted Rs 300,000 from the complainant on the pretext of getting him a job in Malaysia.

A case has been registered.

Meanwhile, The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has booked a human trafficker after a campaign against human trafficking.

According to sources of Customs Today, the Anti-human Trafficking Cell of the agency arrested

an accused Muhammad Hussain son of Muhammad sarwar against an FIR 31016.

The trafficker was involved in sending people abroad and looting their money on fake documents. The FIA has registered cases against the culprit under sections of human smuggling and fraud with citizens. The FIA also recovered passports and currency of different countries. A number of complaints were registered against the said accused. The FIA has shifted them to an unidentified place for further investigation and prosecution. –M Imran Mehar

customs Appellate tribunal hears 13 important cases

A LAHORE

SAJID NAwAZ

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division bench-II of the Customs Appellate Tribunal comprising Judicial Member Omer Arshad Hakeem and Member Technical Imran Tariq heard 13 cases and adjourned all the cases until the next hearing. The Customs Appellate Tri-

bunal adjourned the hearing of 13 cases which included M/s Maxi Inch versus valuation Lahore, M/s Sohail and others versus customs Lahore, M/s Uch Power versus Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigations Multan Unit Sadiqabad, and customs Lahore versus A.I. Corporation.

On Tuesday, the tribunal heard cases of M/s Sitara Textile versus customs Lahore, Dildar Jani versus Directorate

of Intelligence and Investigation Lahore, Juma Khan versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Multan, Customs Lahore versus Sami Ullah, Ahsan Mehmood versus customs Lahore. Furthermore, the tribunal heard cases Piled by M/s D.K Industries versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Gujrat, M/s Sitara Textile versus customs Lahore, M/s Azam International versus cus-

toms Lahore, M/s Inam Traders versus customs Lahore and Customs Lahore versus Abdul Kabir. In all the cases, the representatives of the appellants and respondents appeared before the court and argued in favour of their respective parties. After hearing the arguments from the parties, the Customs Appellate Tribunal adjourned hearing of these cases until next hearing.

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COSCO SHIPPING Holdings warns of net loss WASHINGTON: COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of state-run ocean carrier China COSCO Shipping Corp., said in a notice filed with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that it expects to record a net loss attributable to equity holders for 2016 of approximately 9.9 billion Chinese yuan renminbi (U.S. $1.4 billion) in contrast to the 283 million yuan renminbi (RMB) profit it recorded for 2015. However, the company did say that in 2016, it “had gradually achieved synergies generated from its business restructuring, and the performance of the group significantly improved on a quarterly basis.”

COSCO SHIPPING Holdings does expect to have earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of approximately 700 million RMB for the fourth quarter of 2016.

First mega ship calls at Israeli port he largest ship ever to dock in an Israeli port arrived at the port of Haifa The 13,092-TEU Maersk Elba container ship arrived at the Carmel Terminal the morning of February 2. It was operated on by four STS cranes with an average productivity of 136 containers per ship hour. The Haifa Port, dubbed the vessel “Isra-max,” a takeoff on panamax, suezmax, and aframax, terms use to denote the largest vessels able to transit certain waterways or be handled at certain ports. The arrival of the Maersk Elba inducted Haifa into the exclusive club of ports capable of handling high-capacity 14,000-TEU ships. But the next generation of ships of 18,000 TEU and above will not be able to call in Israel until further development takes place. Five new cranes were built at the Carmel Terminal in recent weeks in preparation for the facility’s handling of ves-

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sels like the Maersk Elba. These were constructed on the dock and are join six other STS cranes. Israeli Transport Minister Israel Katz officially unveiled the new cranes a few weeks ago in time for wide beam ships to begin calling at the port. Last month, the Israel Ports Company deepened the water by the Carmel Terminal. In the last two years, Haifa Port has also acquired two new tugs, the second of which, the Elad, arrived a few months ago. The port also adopted the advanced Navis TOS system to completed the port’s preparations to handle to big ships.

The Maersk Elba is part of the weekly service operated by the 2M Alliance of Maersk and MSC. It links the ports of South Korea, China, and Singapore to Haifa and continues on to Adriatic ports. –CB Report

Ports & Shipping

Wednesday February 15, 2017

Ministry prefers Vizag port for Myanmar link-up

port of oakland to spend uS$600m on new projectsgf

WASHINGTON

he Port of Oakland has outlined a US$600m spending plan featuring investments in rail, a refrigerated warehouse and a terminal expansion.

The port’s maritime director John Driscoll told an American Association of Port Authorities conference that the port would team with private developers and public agencies to modernise its infrastructure.

“We’re building for growth in a shipping industry that is becoming more and more competitive,” he stated. The proposed investments include US$244m, mostly from government grants, to separate railroad tracks from major port roadways.

Construction of a US$90m privately built refrigerated warehouse called Cool Port could begin next month, with the emphasis on increasing chilled beef and pork exports. A further US$50m privately financed expansion of the port’s second largest marine terminal has already begun. Driscoll added that the port has recently completed a US$100m railyard near marine terminals and a proposed logistics complex. –CB Report

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cuStoMS BuLLetIN report www.customsbulletin.com

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he Union Shipping Ministry has decided to give priority to the transportation of cargo from the Visakhapatnam port, rather than ports in West Bengal, for supporting the Sittwe port project in Myanmar. A senior Shipping Ministry ofPicial said that the change in the strategy has been triggered by the regular bickering between the Centre and West Bengal government, which is not very conducive for developing projects in Myanmar.

The Centre is the process of developing the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), which aims to create a multimodal mode of transport for shipment of cargo from ports of India to Myanmar as well as the north-eastern part of India. The idea is to create an alternative route to the North-East and break free of the Siliguri corridor, the ofPicial said. The distance between Kolkata port and Sittwe port is 402 nautical miles and

Visakhapatnam and Sittwe is 556 nautical miles. The ofPicial pointed that already about 40,000 tonnes of rice are being shipped out of Visakhapatnam port for Mizoram and other states in the North-East.

The idea is to pump up the trade volumes with minimal obstacles.

Plus, in the event of any local disturbances in places such as Nagaland, the whole of north-eastern India should not get affected.

KMTTP has been planned as a waterway trade route from Sittwe

Port to Paletwa (158 km) along the Kaladan river in Myanmar and road route from Paletwa to India-Myanmar border, which is 110 km. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has been appointed as the Project Development Consultant by the Union Ministry of External Affairs. The idea of developing the alternative route was conceived by the Manmohan Singh government by entering into a bilateral agreement with the Myanmar government in April 2008.

haifa port handles it largest ship H

WASHINGTON

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aifa Port’s Carmel Terminal, Israel, has received a call by the largest ship ever docked in the country. The 13,092 teu Maersk Elba links ports in South Korea, China and Singapore to Haifa Port, continuing from there to the Adriatic ports as part of a weekly service operated by the 2M Alliance, which includes Maersk and the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). As part of a series of investments carried out to be able to handle bigger ships, the port’s Carmel Terminal recently received Pive new cranes, including two ship-to-shore (STS) cranes manufactured by Kocks Cranes. The units, which are able to handle 21 containers across, joined six existing STS cranes at the terminal. At the terminal, the Maersk Elba was served by four STS

cranes with an average productivity of 136 containers per ship hour.

Additionally, three new railmounted gantry (RMG) cranes from Konecranes became operational in the storage area in January this year, for a total of 15 RMGs at the terminal. Recent investments at Haifa Port also included the adoption of a Navis terminal operating system (TOS). According to a statement by the port’s operating company Haifa Port, the government’s port development arm Israel Ports Company recently deepened the water by the Carmel Terminal to enable larger ships to “reach their maximum draft, or very close to it”.

However, as the statement noted, “the next generation of ships, in the order of 18,000 teu and above, will not be able to call in Israel during the next few years”. Haifa Port’s CEO Mendi Zaltzman said: “It is important to remember that these mas-

sive [14,000 teu) ships are being serviced at a dock that was originally built to accommodate ships of up to only 6,000 teu.”

Meanwhile, The total cost of the project is expected to be around $3.3 billion. The plans consist of a 23-berth facility with a 20-meter (66-foot) alongside draft and eventual capacity of up to 27 milliontonnes-per-annum. Two industrial zones covering 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) are to be built next to the new port. The El Hamdania port outside Algiers will help Algeria diversify its economy away from oil.

China Harbour Engineering and China State Construction Engineering have been linked to the project and local media said the two Chinese state companies will take a 49 percent stake while the controlling stake will be held by the Algerian Port Authority. The reports said Pinancing will be provided by a consortium of

Chinese banks together with funds from a newly secured loan from AfDB. The AfDB signed an agreement with Algeria at the end of 2016 for a $900 million loan facility. At the time, the bank the loan was to support the country’s industrial and energy competitiveness and “to offset the drop in its revenue due to the sharp fall in oil prices”. Oil and gas accounts for over 90 percent of Algeria’s export revenues and the low oil price has hit state Pinances hard. This has led the government to put more focus on measures to diversify the country’s economic base. “The decline in the price of oil has created a lot of difPiculties for many oil exporting countries, and has had an impact on their balances of payment and budgets,” said Kapil Kapoor, an acting vice president with the bank. Construction work on the new port is scheduled to begin in March and the Pirst berths are due to be operational by 2021.

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ANF sizes heroin worth Rs 1.3m at KICT, arrests four suspects KARACHI: The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has recovered a huge quantity of heroin in a raid at Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) and arrested four suspects involved in the incident.

According to the details, an ANF team deputed at the sea port examined thousands of containers and managed to recover 12 kilograms of heroin from a container at KICT. The heroin was tactfully concealed in wooden frames of 3X beds being exported to the foreign country.

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

collector Sarfraz warraich to present Multan customs revenue report MULTAN IMrAN ALI

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meeting was held at the Model Customs Collectorate to discuss revenue collection of seven months of current Piscal year.

Reportedly, Collector Sarfraz Ahmad Warraich presided over the meeting along with him Additional Collector Muhammad Ismail, Deputy Collector Saad Atta Rabbani and others ofPicials attended the meeting to devise effective strategy for the improvement of revenue collection. The Collectorate conducted meeting to chalk out better future plan for the revenue collection. The Collectorate is facing revenue shortfall after end of the January due to sudden decrease in the import clearances from Multan Dry Port.

During meeting, Deputy Collector Saad Atta Rabbani informed about the revenue collection in which Rs4034.599 million customs duties are collected against the assigned target of Rs4532 million from July to January 2016-17.

Sources said that the Collectorate has collected Rs12337.698 million sales taxes from July to January against the target of Rs23810 mil-

lion. The overall attained collection of the Collectorate is Rs23599.272 million against the assigned target

of Rs28682 million so far.

It is important to mention that Collector Sarfraz Ahmad Warraich

will give presentation on the revenue collection meeting of Chief Collector conference presided by

Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Muhammad Irshad held in Islamabad.

Dg Valuation issues reference values of Adidas, Mora brands KARACHI

wAQAr AhMeD ANSArI www.customsbulletin.com

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he Directorate General of Customs Valuation issued the reference values of Adidas brand and Mora brand blankets (different types).

According to details, the Directorate General initiated an exercise to develop database values for different items and observed that declarations are of wide range and

do not correctly rePlect values of the items as traded in the international market.

During the scrutiny of previous clearance data, it was observed that Adidas brand falling under PCT headings 6103.4900, 6105.1000 and 6105.1000 are being assessed at different values and certain transactions are on very low side. The Directorate General after carefully examining the clearance data also conducted market inquiries to verify the authenticity of declarations. Online prices were also obtained to corroborate the Pindings of the market

surveys. The Directorate General, therefore, has found that the customs values of Adidas brand as gents track suit (all types) all origin US$32 per piece, men/women T-shirts (all types) all origin US$12 per piece, men/women shirts (all types) all origin US$21 per piece and men/women trouser (all types) all origin US$26 per piece.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General issued another Valuation of Mora brand blankets (different types). The Directorate General issued the customs values of Mora brand blankets (different types) as double bed blankets all types all

origin US$50 per piece, single bed blankets all types all origin US$28 per piece and baby blankets all types all origin US$13 per piece.

These values are, however, for reference/guidance only and Pinal assessment may please be made after considering other factors which have bearing on the customs value. rectorate General of Customs Valuation has issued the reference values of plug wrap paper and non-cellular rubber sheets. This Directorate General has initiated an exercise to develop database values for different items wherein it has been observed that

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declarations are of wide range and do not correctly rePlect values of the items as traded in the international market. During the scrutiny of previous clearance data, it has been observed that plug wrap paper falling under PCT headings 4813.2000 are being assessed at different values and certain transactions are on very low side. The Directorate General, after carefully examining the clearance data, also conducted market inquiries to verify the authenticity of declarations.

Online prices were also obtained to corroborate the Pindings of the market surveys.