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ollectorate of Customs Preventive Collector Faiz Ahmad issued orders for immediate transfers of postings and transfers which includes superintendent, deputy superintendent and inspectors deputed at Air Freight Unit (AFU), Railway Station T-10, Wagha Border, Land Freight Unit, Anti Smuggling Organiza-
tion, General Post OfUice. According to a notiUication Superintendent Syedzada Alamdar Hussain, Amjad Ali Chaudhary, Nasir Mehmood Tarar, Ghulam Jaffar, Abdul Shakoor, Inspector Tahira Ali, ShaUiq Ahmad, Iftikhar Ahmad Hasan, Rafaqat Hussain, Mohammad Rashid, Inspector Asif Sohail, Rizwan Mehmood, Tariq Amir, are transferred to Lahore Air Freight Unit. While Inspector Mazhar Muneer, Mohammad Irfan, Ahmad
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Sadqeem, Nazar Mohammad, Mohammad Nazir, Abdul Sattar, Bashir Chaudhary, Shabbir Ahmad, Khalid Khan, Shahidul Hassan, Inspector Mazharul Haq, Rai Khalid Javed will perform their duties at Allama Iqbal International Airport. It is also notiUied that Inspector Abdul Ghaffar, Waheed Iqbal, Bhatti, Abdul Rehman Butt, Inspector Azam Hussain Wattoo, Mohammad Maratib Mushtaq, Shahid Khan, Zaffar Iqbal are transferred to Anti Smuggling Organization.
Islamabad Dryport generates two-time extra revenue brilliantly against set target
Karachi Export retrieves evaded duties after serving notices
Customs Preventive foils bid to smuggle heroin from Lahore airport
Nigeria can avail Pak cooperation in various sectors: PM
Collector Customs Quetta leaves for Iran to discuss border & trade issues
Customs Islamabad Dryport earned two-time higher revenue against | See pAge 02 |
Customs Export has recovered evaded taxes and duties amounting to Rs7.62m | See pAge 03 |
Customs Preventive team at Lahore Airport foiled an attempt to smuggle heroin | See pAge 04 |
PM Abbasi has said Pakistan could provide cooperation to Nigeria in various sectors | See pAge 14 |
Ashraf Ali, Collector MCC Quetta, left for Iran to participate in a Pak-Iran border | See pAge 16 |
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FBR exempts regulatory duty from home appliances in CKD kits Thursday, January 11, 2018
Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has said that regulatory duty is not applicable on import of home appliances in CKD kits form. The FBR said that the regulatory duty imposed on home appliances such as air conditioners, deep freezers, refrigerators, washing machines, microwave oven PDP/LCD/LED TVs, electro-mechanical domestic appliances, electric instantaneous or storage water heaters is livable on CBU units thereof by virtue of description provided.
Dryport generates two-time extra revenue brilliantly against set target
ISLAMABAD
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he number of tax return filers has increased by 21.5 percent during the current fiscal year (2017-18) as against the filers of the last year, according to latest data. Upto December 31, 2017, as many as 1,158, 380 taxpayers filed their returns till December 31, 2017 compared to the filers of around 914,000 taxpayers during the same period of last year. The refunds also witnessed increase 28% during the current year over the corresponding period of previous fiscal year. The government has issued returns to the tune of Rs58 billion during the current fiscal year as against Rs45 billion issued during last year, the data revealed. It is pertinent to mention here that the revenue collection during the first half of the current fiscal year (2017-18) witnessed an increase of 17.5 percent as compared to the corresponding period of last year. The revenue collection by FBR during July-December (2017-18) was recorded at over Rs1722 billion as against Rs1466 billion collected during the same period of the previous fiscal year, showing an increase of 17.5 percent.
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he Customs Islamabad Dryport earned two-time higher revenue against an assigned revenue for the month of December Fiscal Year 2017-18 as it generated surplus revenue of Rs843million of Customs Duty. This was stated by Tahir Khattak, Deputy Collector, Islamabad Dryport, while giving an exclusive interview to Customs Today. He said the Islamabad Dryport (IDP) not only surpassed an assigned revenue collection target for the month of December FY17-18 but it also gained an extra revenue against an earmarked revenue collection target for 2nd Quarter (October to December) FY17-18. Tahir told CT that, during the month of December FY17-18, the IDP received Rs1276.06million revenue as CD against an earmarked revenue collection target of Rs323.80million. The IDP collected Rs307.97million of CD during the last December FY16-17. The IDP got an extra revenue of Rs968.09million against a revenue collection of corresponding month of December FY16-17. Deputy Collector told the correspondent that, during 2nd quarter, the IDP displayed 121.99% average of increase against an assigned revenue target of CD for the month of December FY17-18 whereas it proved 122% growth in
number of tax return filers increase 26 pc in fY18
the revenue collection of December FY17-18 against a revenue collection during the same period of previous December FY16-17. Tahir Khattak said the IDP earned a revenue of Rs1839.57million during 2nd Q FY17-18 under the head of CD while it was earmarked a revenue collection target of Rs862million. He added that the IDP collected Rs976.94million extra revenue against an allocated rev-
enue collection target for 2nd Q FY17-18. When asked as to how much extra revenue was collected during 2nd-Q against the same corresponding period, he answered that the IDP generated an extra revenue of Rs984million against the previous same period under the head of CD. He further added that the IDP earned Rs855.57million under head of CD during correspondence 2nd Q FY16-17.
He said that the IDP is preparing strategy for revenue collection during 3rd Q (January to March) of FY17-18, he said that under leadership of Saeed Khan Jadoon Collector Model Customs Collectorate Islamabad the IDP not only will receive handsome revenue under head of CD and other heads during 3rd Q whereas it will try to get surplus revenue during upcoming Quarter of FY17-18.
customs Tribunal hears final arguments on petition filed by M/s TcS
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ustoms Appellate Tribunal Chairman Justice (r) Malik Manzoor Hussain has heard the arguments on a number of cases, including the recently Uiled case by M/s TCS (Private) Limited. The chairman was heading tribunal’s division bench comprising the other member, Ziauddin Wazir. The bench heard nine cases. Di-
rectorate General Intelligence and Investigation, Islamabad, M/s Smart Zone, M/s TCS (Private) Limited, Saqib Abbas and Ghazanfar Gul had Uiled these cases. Hearing of a majority of cases was adjourned till the last week of January. Earlier, the bench had dated in ofUice the hearing of cases Uiled by model Ayyan Ali, Altaf Hussain, Muhammad Awais, M/s Universal Gateway, M/s New Ahsan Enterprises, and M/s Teens Enterprises, till 23rd January.
The tribunal tomorrow would hear M/s Danial Engineering and others, Muhammad Riaz and others, M/s Expert Chemico Trading Co, Fazal Rahim, and Shaista Gul and others had Uiled cases which would be heard by by the chairman in single bench. These cases had been Uiled against Model Collectorate of Customs, Islamabad. Chairman would also hear cases in division bench. During his visit he had heard around a dozen cases Uiled by these cases were Uiled by M/s Waseem Au-
tos, M/s Nisar Traders, M/s Parts & Parts, M/s Chief Autos, M/s Aman Elahi, M/s Kohinoor Traders, M/s Saleem Silk Centre, M/s Five Star Trading, M/s Pakistan Royal Group and M/s Nayatel Private Limited, M/s Degicell & others, M/s Kohinoor Chemical, Mirza Muhammad Majid, M/s Fazal Razaq, M/s Fazal Ur Rehman and Gul Rehman & others. They also stated that around a dozen cases were included in pending cases list for hearing. The chairman would hear the included in up-
coming visit to Islamabad for the Uirst time, they added. He had headed tribunal’s proceedings for days at Islamabad where he heard cases besides performing some of important administrative tasks. The chairman had decided a number of cases during his stay at tribunal besides heading administrative matters. He had adjourned hearing on cases involving Model Collectorate of Customs and Directorate General of Investigation and Intelligence, Islamabad.
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Special Customs Appellate Tribunal rejects Order in Revision, VR KARACHI: The Special Customs Appellate Tribunal has set aside an Order-in-Revision and Valuation Ruling in respect of telephone sets and PABX system. The bench, comprising Member Judicial Muhammad Nadeem Qureshi and Member Technical Muhammad Nazim Saleem was hearing a case filed by A.K. Traders who maintained that as per VR the custom duty was to be levied between $4 and $6 whereas the respondents levied duty at a rate of $2 to $16 which is on higher side. The counsel also contended that new VR 1172 of 2017 was issued in violation of section 25 (a) without following the prescribed procedure hence liable to be set aside.
Appraisement east registers 48% growth in 1H with rs214.96b collection
Thursday January 11, 2018
Karachi
karachi export retrieves evaded duties after serving notices
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he Customs Appraisement East has registered a growth of over 48 percent during July-December 2017 owing to large import bill and imposition of regulatory duty. According to provisional figures, the collectorate collected Rs214.96 billion during the first half of the current fiscal year as compared with Rs144.79 billion in the corresponding half of the last fiscal year, posting 48.45 percent growth. The overall collection of two main collectorates in Karachi MCC Appraisement East and West, the major revenue collectors of the country jointly collected Rs353.53 billion during the first six months of the current fiscal year as compared with Rs293.55 billion.
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customs starts collection of Sindh stamp duty KARACHI
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akistan Customs has started collection of Sindh stamp duty on real-time basis through computerized system WeBOC. The Sindh Stamp Duty Collection Module of WeBOC had been rolled-out from mid night of the New Year. In the module, Rs1,000 will be charged as Sindh Stamp Duty to be payable against goods declaration (GD) on one-time basis at the time of making upfront payment. The amount of stamp duty payable will be reflected in the cess challan screen; however, under a separately designated Head of Account for which a separate pay order or cash amount, as the case may be, would, therefore, be required. For GDs with claim of exemption from Stamp Duty Payment, the mechanism would remain the same as for Cess payment.
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he Customs Export has recovered evaded taxes and duties amounting to Rs7.62million from defaulter companies which were issued with notices to pay the outstanding dues. Sources told Customs Today that, during scrutiny of the import data, it was revealed that M/s Zoobi Traders Karachi availed undue beneUits and concessions by importing different consignments and misusing the SRO 467. The company was found involved in a tax evasion of Rs4.12million. After detecting tax evasion, the Customs Export issued them with Uinal notice on November 30, 2017 to deposit the evaded amount within 14 days. After receiving the notice, the management of M/s Zoobi Traders Karachi deposited the evaded amount in the ofUicial account of the Customs Export on December 2017. On the other hand, the management of the M/s Zari and Sons Karachi also cleared Rs3.50million of taxes and duties. Sources said the M/s Zari and Sons Karachi also availed undue beneUits and concessions and avoided paying taxes according to the customs bylaws. The Customs Export authorities served a Uinal notice on them on December 15, 2017. After receiving the notice, the management of Zari and Sons Karachi deposited the evaded
amount of taxes. Meanwhile, The Customs Export has recovered evaded amount of taxes and duties of Rs6.12million from defaulter companies which were issued with notices to pay the outstanding dues. Sources told Customs Today that, during scrutiny of the import data, it was revealed that M/s Raheem Unique Slide availed undue benefits and concessions by importing different consignments by misusing the SRO
After receiving the notice, the management of M/s Zoobi Traders karachi deposited the evaded amount in the official account of the customs export. The management of the M/s Zari and Sons karachi also cleared rs3.50million of taxes and duties
court seeks challan against accused involved in smuggling
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he Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling Court has directed the investigation ofUicer to complete investigations and submit charge sheet against suspects namely Mehboob Ali and Nabi Bakhsh. The suspects were booked for attempting to smuggle 59,635 liter Iranian high speed diesel. During the hearing, investigation
ofUicer sought further time to Uile challan, therefore, the court granted time and adjourned the matter. Earlier, the investigation ofUicer had produced the suspects before the court and informed that a team of Anti-Smuggling Organisation intercepted a Hino truck bearing registration number TLY-348 near Moachko Chowk and recovered 59,635 litter Iranian diesel. He further informed the court that during the raid, customs ofUicials asked suspects to produce law-
ful documents of said oil, however, they failed to produce any lawful documents, therefore, after formalities customs ofUicials arrested both accused and seized said oil. Investigation ofUicer said that prosecution needs further investigation from suspects therefore, court may send back them to customs department. After his arguments, court had sent back them to customs department on physical remand and directed investigation ofUicer to produce them.
562 through Examiner Raheel Waris. Sources told CT that the company was allegedly involved in tax evasion of Rs3.12million. After detecting the tax evasion, the Customs Export issued it with a final notice on December 2017 to deposit the evaded amount within 14 days. After receiving the notice, the management of M/s Raheem Unique Slide deposited the evaded amount in the official account of the Customs Export.
kSe-100’s 13-session positive streak ends he stock market took a muchanticipated breather on , as the KSE-100 Index lost 298 points to fall below the 43,000 level. The negative finish also brought to an end a 13-session winning streak for the benchmark100 share index with heavyweight automobile and cement sectors witnessing selling pressure.
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Customs Appellate Tribunal rejects appeal filed by Saima Mujeeb Thursday January 11, 2018
Lahore
LAHORE: The Customs Appellate Tribunal has dismissed an appeal filed by the Deputy Collector ASO, Model Customs Collectorate Lahore against Saima Mujeeb and others. Member Judicial Bench-I Muhammad Shabbir Gujjar, heard the appeal and decided the case with remarks that the captioned question is answered in negative, as a result, this customs appeal being devoid of merit is dismissed with no order to costs. As per brief history of case, the Customs staff detained a Toyota Mark-X. The person sitting on the driving seat introduce himself as Mujeeb Khalid.
court seeks investigation customs preventive foils bid to challan of accused held in smuggle heroin from Lahore airport money laundering case LAHORE
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he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling has asked the customs investigation and prosecution to complete an investigation challan of the accused in the next hearing of the case of money laundering. The court granted a 14-day judicial remand of the accused held in a currencies-smuggling case. An accused Faisal Hussain was apprehended by the customs preventive authorities at the Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore. The customs authorities found a huge quantity of currencies during a search of the luggage. Accused Faisal Hussain was trying to smuggle the currencies of Rs2million.
foreign currency Account Scheme he Foreign Exchange Rates Committee of Financial Markets Association of Pakistan issued the following Base Rate, FOREIGN CURRENCY ACCOUNTS SCHEME — RATES BAY BID MAXIMUM RATES FOR PAYMENT OF INTEREST BY ETHERIZED DEALERS R A T E S U.S. DOLLARS VALUE 09-01-18 For 3 months and over but less than 6 months 1.4539% PA 2.2039% PA For 6 months and over but less than 12 Months 1.6151% PA 2.3651% PA For 12 months 1.8995% PA 2.7651% PA For 2 Years 1.8995% PA 3.2745% PA For 3 Years 1.8995% PA 3.5245% PA For 4 years 1.8995% PA 3.7745% PA For 5 years 1.8995% PA 3.8995% PA POUND STERLING VALUE 09-01-18 For 3 months and over but less than 6 Months 0.2713% PA 1.0213% PA For 6 months and over but less than 12 months 0.3244% PA 1.0744% PA For 12 Months 0.5104% PA 1.3854% . –CB Report
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The authorities concerned found dollars, Euros, Pounds and Pakistani currencies in his baggage. The customs investigation team had presented him before the customs court for getting his physical remand to investigate more on the issue that was granted by the court. After the completion of the remand, customs team had presented him again before the court and told it that all the investigation had been done so court could send him to jail. The customs preventive apprehended the accused while making an attempt to smuggle said currencies from Lahore into Europe. The customs investigation team had presented him before the court of special judge of customs taxation and anti-smuggling, Shakeel Ahmad, and demanded his judicial remand for 14 days. The customs has registered a case against the accused and launched an investigation as well after impounding the cell phones that he was trying to smuggle.
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ollectorate of Customs Preventive team deputed at Allama Iqbal International Airport foiled an attempt to smuggle heroin during two different operations. Sources told Customs Today, that Collector Customs Preventive Faiz Ahmad received credible information about some smuggling attempts. He immediately directed anti-smuggling squads deputed at Allama Iqbal International Airport to enhance vigilance on Arrival Lounge and Departure Lounge of the airport. Sources told that during checking of Qatar Airways flight no: 629 customs team intercepted African lady Happo Locho who was set to depart for Doha and recovered huge quantity of heroin worth mil-
lions of rupees. While during another operation customs team during checking of passengers who were travelling through Shaheen Air flight 703 intercepted a husband and wife who were later identified as Shaukat Abbas and Kalsoon Shaukat recovered two kilograms of heroin. The couple was travelling to perform Umrah.
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Customs team arrested both persons and after registering a case started further investigations. It is also necessary to mention here that Collector Customs Preventive Faiz Ahmad directed all anti smuggling staff deputed and field formations and airport to enhance vigilance and adopt zero tolerance policy towards smuggling.
customs court asks investigation team prA collects rs12 billion in Dec to present witnesses in next hearing ures for December which were he Punjab Revenue Author-
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he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has asked the investigation and prosecution team to present witnesses of the case in the next hearing of a smuggling case. An accused held in the smuggling of cigarettes, cloths, mobile-phones and some other items has been sent to prison. Accused Muhammad Hassan was apprehended by the customs intelligence authorities from Lahore. The customs intelligence authorities had carried out an operation on the se-
cret intelligence information at Band Road Lahore and arrested the accused. The worth of the recovered items is more than Rs3.6million in the local market. The accused has made a huge loss to the national kitty in the wake of duties and taxes. The customs investigation team had presented him before the customs court for getting his physical remand to investigate more on the issue that was granted by the court. Customs judge Tahir Sabir approved his remand for two days. –CB Report
ity (PRA) collected Rs49.5 billion in the first and second quarters of the current financial year, 2017-18 as compared to Rs 36.5 billion revenue generated for the same period for the corresponding period of previous year. This was revealed during a meeting, chaired by Member Operation, Commissioner Javed Ahmed, held to discuss the half yearly tax revenue target at PRA Headquarters. The officers also presented fig-
recorded at an astonishing Rs 12.11 billion compared to Rs 7.7 billion recorded last December, which is 57% higher. Member Operation appreciated the effort put forward by the officers for generating high tax revenue collection and stated that, with efforts of the officers, PRA is on course towards achievement of new financial year tax revenue record. The collection figures are being finalized till the time of filing of this report. –CB Report
customs seizes 321 mobiles from two passengers at AiiA
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LAHORE
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he customs ofUicials have conUiscated as many as 321 mobile phones from two passengers travelling on a Ulight from Sharjah to Lahore during a raid on the Allama Iqbal International Airport. Sources told Customs Today
that ofUicers executed the operations in the Ulight during a routine checking. During the action in the Ulight, customs staff recovered 321 mobile phones from two passengers. The customs arrested both accused from a Ulight of the Airblue from Sharjah. Accused were identiUied as Abdul Rehman and Nasir, residents of Lahore. Cases were also registered against the accused. The customs
shifted them to an unknown place for further investigation. The security ofUicers have launched an investigation into the matter. The value of the recovered mobile phones is more than Rs6million in Pakistani market. Recovered mobile phones are of different brands including Apple-I phones, Samsung, Nokia, Xiomi and HTC. The customs has expedited the
checking of the luggage of the passengers, especially coming from European countries. The smuggling attempts are being aborted by the customs authorities vigorously. A number of attempts of smuggling of foreign made mobile phones, accessories and other related items have also been thwarted by the customs. The customs has started an investigation into the case.
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www.customsbulletin.com he Lahore Tax Bar Association (LTBA) ofUice-bearers said the Customs Intelligence and Investigation must follow section 25 and section 32-A of the Customs Act 1969 while performing their duties in the Uield. The Customs Intelligence and Investigation should also arrange training sessions for ofUicials at least once a year. This was stated by LTBA Vice President Shahbaz Saddique, General Secretary Abdul Waheed and Finance Secretary Rana Mubashir Hassan while Talking to Customs Today. They said there was a need to develop coordination between government departments and business community to strengthen the national economy. They added the Uield staff of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation should perform its duties according to the law. During a panel interview, all three ofUice-bearers said that duties and jurisdictions of all ofUicials of the Customs I&I are mentioned in the rules of business. If all the departments and ofUicials perform their duties within their jurisdictions, then a lot of issues could be resolved, they said. Saddique said the duties and responsibilities of all the departments are mentioned in the prescribed laws. He added that if the law allows the customs ofUicials to check the valuation of transported goods then they should check all the record during the transportation and if the law restricts the customs staff to check just the legal status then ofUicials may check lawful status of the imported
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goods. They said if any businessman/importer pays his liabilities of taxes and duties then the customs staff should avoid examining goods and vehicles. LTBA General Secretary Abdul Waheed said that Inland Revenue and Customs Departments are major revenue collection sources of the country. Many ofUicers are interested in increasing their own assets than the national income, he said. To strengthen the national economy, government should take some serious measures to control corruption in the country. Waheed added that corruption is not only in FBR but also in other departments and government need to take serious steps to overcome corruption from top level to the grass root level. Finance Secretary Rana Mubashir Hassan said that the lack of education and awareness about the rules and regulations in customs ofUiciels and importers create a lot of troubles for both par-
e l l t h re iew, a v r e t n n a d el i duties a pan t g a n h i t r Du f the rs said cials o - b e a re ffi e c o l l ffi o he fa ed in t ions o t n c i o i d t s i n jur re m e ll the s i&i a m o t s ss. if a e cu n i s u er form fb cials p rules o ffi o d ions, n risdic t ents a u j m t r i r e a h d, dep ithin t esolve r w s e e b i t d u s coul their d f issue o t o l aid then a they s
ties. Mubashir said that the Customs Department should manage training sessions for the ofUicials. There is a big problem in the department that all department manage training only once in the service that is serious issue and the government must arrange tanning sessions for all ofUicials at least once in year. It is worth mentioning that even the superior courts have repeatedly held that the Customs Directorate General of Intelligence have no mandate to examine, assess or seize goods that are already cleared by the appropriate appraisement staff. They have emphatically held that the said Directorate does not have powers to exercise or invoke Section 25 or Section 32 (mis-declaration) of Customs Act, 1969. [Refer The Honorable High Court Judgments 2005 P T D 23 (Annex- B) and 2004 P T D 2994 (Annex – C)]. Sources added that the honorable superior courts have repeatedly held that the domain of the Customs Directorate of Intelligence is to stop smuggling. When certain staffers are busy in their illegal activities of examination and assessments of already cleared goods, they lose their focus on smuggling activities, rather even they allow smuggled goods to transfer from place to place for bribe. Thus, the country suffers trillions of rupees losses in smuggling and corruption at the hands of such few notorious staff of the Customs Directorate of Intelligence. Sources revealed that DIT Sukkur recently seized goods which were lawfully cleared from port by appraisement staff. However, one notorious Inspector of DIT Liaqat Ali stopped a truck on road and on refusal to fulUill his illegal demands by the importer; he made out a case of mis-declaration and seized the goods along with vehicle illegally.
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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
Bad shape of economy
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akistan survived as a debt free country for years despite challenges of rehabilitation of hundreds of thousands of refugees confronting the nascent nation in the early years of independence. The government had no funds to carryout day to day affairs, but the nation lived on without any external help. But the current situation is that the economy has been mortgaged to foreign lending agencies and debt retirement is expected to be the biggest problem in coming years. Though the country achieved the highest GDP growth after years of recession in 2016-17, the economy is still not in good shape and there required billions of dollars funds for its revival. The recent developments in the political horizon of the country have changed the dynamics of the economy. Unfortunately, there always remained a big schism between people and the government functionaries and no effort has ever been made to fill the gap. Important policies are blindly devised by those who matter which always fail at the implementation stages. The country achieved the highest GDP growth rate of 5.3 percent in June 2017 and inflation was contained at 4.5 percent. However, most of the gains achieved by the previous government lost in the ensuing tumultuous disturbances. The lot of the people could not be improved despite tons of lip service by the government officials. The foreign exchanges reserved shot up to $21 billion from $6 billion in June 2013. However, the increase was ensured on the crutches of the loans from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. The country has failed to produce industrial surplus and exports declined by $5 billion in three and half years. The government achieved the GSP status in 2013, but could not avail the opportunity to penetrate the European markets. On another note, Bangladesh performed better than Pakistan and now Bangladeshi clothes are available in Pakistani markets despite the fact it was not a cotton producing country. The economy is still on the mercy of foreign loans and grants and the policymakers have no capacity to write down a roadmap to prosperity. As a matter of fact, every government agency and every sector of the economy needs improvement.
resilience of pakistani economy A
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Dr AfTAB AfZAL
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fter hurling threats through tweets and diplomatic channels of unspecified actions and reiterating its hackneyed demand of ‘do more’, the United States has at last stopped all ‘military aids’ to Pakistan. There is a lesson for the Pakistani leadership to always take the national interest supreme in decision-making and in all circumstances. It is the lesson for the nation to learn from the past mistakes and devise future course of action keeping view the national pride, self-respect and dignity and learn to live with honour. It
is the insult for military dictator Pervez Musharraf who fell to his knees only on one phone call from Washington. The years of cooperation with a super power ended in fiasco which began to think the economy and security of Pakistan depends on their aid. The United States has been using Pakistani sea ports, airports, highways and roads for logistic supplies to Afghanistan for the last two decades and wants all the facilities free of cost. It is not the mistake of the United States, but the leaders in this country who pushed Pakistan into the war on terror and incurred over 100 billion dollars losses in monetary terms and
rendered the sacrifices of over 50,000 innocent citizens. The United States has injected billions of dollars in Afghan war and its victory against a few groups of Taliban is far from any realization. The power of the sole super power of the world is waning, but Taliban are as strong as they were in the start of the war. A few thousands Taliban have engaged hundreds of thousands of the US troops and are inflicting heavy damages and losses not only on the US military, but also its economy and dignity. It is easy to enter Afghanistan, but difficult to leave it in a dignified manner. The new US administration now
wants to scapegoat Pakistan to put all blames of its failures on it for face-saving. The threatening tone of Trump belies diplomatic norms and fair understanding of international relations. Pakistan is not Afghanistan and its economy does not depend on the US aid. The economy of Pakistan is resilient and can survive on its own without any foreign help. If the United States wants to protect its troops from death and destruction, it should seek Pakistan’s cooperation in a friendly manner and should avoid the course of confrontation. If God forbade Pakistan collapses, India will also collapse and the US will also be broken into pieces.
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Customs seizes 12.5kg gold at AIIA from January to December 2017 LAHORE: The customs officials have confiscated about 12.5 kilogram of gold from passengers travelling by different flights during the raids on the Allama Iqbal International Airport during different operations in a year from January 2017 to end of December 2017. Sources told Customs Today that the officers carried out operations in different flights from different countries during said period. The actions were taken in flights coming or going from Dubai to Lahore, Turkey to Lahore, Jeddah to Lahore and Muscat to Lahore. The customs took actions in Pakistan International Airlines flights (PIA), Turkish Airways flight, Gulf Air and Saudi Air flight. The value of the recovered gold is more than Rs49million in Pakistani market. The security officers launched an investigation into the matter.
customs Adjudicationii exhibits brilliant performance by unearthing 16 cases
Thursday January 11, 2018
National
customs Tribunal rejects appeal in indian raw cotton import case
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ollector Customs Adjudication-II Tahir Qureshi, showing an excellent potential in the last two months of November and December, detected 16 cases in the month of December. Source said, at the start of the first month of 2018, Customs Adjudication-II will take strong action against defaulter companies and uncover record cases. Customs Adjudication-II Tahir Qureshi demonstrated well by taking actions and issuing notices to tax defaulters after he was transferred to the Adjudication II. Today Sources told Customs Today that the Customs Adjudication-II served a final notice on a defaulter company named M/s Shadman Associates Karachi and recovered Rs4million from M/s Anwar Hosiery Karachi. M/s Shadman Associates Karachi was involved in tax evasion. The company
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ustoms Appellate Tribunal has dismissed the appeals Uiled by the M/s Salman Nauman Enterprises Limited against Additional Collector of Customs (Preventive), LFU, Lahore and Additional Collector of Customs, Collectorate of Customs Adjudication AFU Lahore. Member Judicial Omer Arshed Hakeemn Bench-II heard the case where the counsels for both the parties gave their respective arguments. The tribunal member remarked that it could not be legally conceived that the impugned claimed exemption had by way of proposition a curative effect over erstwhile withdraw zero rating under some other SRO (1125(I)/2011). As per brief history of case, M/s Salman Nauman Enterprises Limited had imported consignment of Indian raw cotton and sought clearance vide GD No 19739 and claimed beneUits of Sales Tax SRO 1125 (I)/2011 for the payment of sales tax 2 percent instead of 16 percent. Later on, during the course of au-
dit, it was observed that the said consignment was liable for the payment of 16 percent sales tax not for 2 percent and sales tax was charged by the authorities. After the show cause notice, adjudication proceeding were culminated and Order-in-
Original passed for the recovery of default surcharge for amount Rs25,20,621 with penalty of Rs15,000. Being aggrieved from the order, the ONO was challenged before the Customs Appellate Tribunal on the grounds that the ONO not
passed on legal grounds and liable to set aside. The same allegations was denied by the respondent party. After hearing the arguments Customs Appellate Tribunal dismissed the appeal and informed the parties about the decision.
regulatory duty on various imported items withdrawn imported aluminum sheets and rolls on 1st of November 2017 and used the wrong PCT heading. After a careful investigation, the Customs Adjudication-II issued a final notice to the company and cleared the outstanding amount of Rs6.20million. Sources said that another company M/s Anwar Hosiery Karachi got cleared a consignment of Jersey fabrics on October 24 and evaded a tax amount of Rs4million. After an investigation, Customs Adjudication-II served a show cause notice on the company on November 18, but it failed to clear the outstanding tax amount. Collector Customs Adjudication-II issued a final notice to the company on December , 2017.
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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has withdrawn regulatory duty imposed on many items, which would help reduce the cost of manufacturing for confectionery, value added chicken, vendors of automotive OEM sectors etc. The FBR issued SRO 06(I)/2018 to amend SRO 1035(I)/2017, which was issued on October 16, 2017 containing a list of 731 items falling under regulatory duty regime. The FBR amended following changes through new SRO: Regulatory duty at 30 percent has been withdrawn on imports under PCT (Pakistan Customs Tariff) codes 1202.4200 and 1517.9000, by registered manufacturers of food and confectionery industry:
Chapter 12 of PCT deals with ground nuts, not roasted or otherwise cooked, whether or not shelled or broken; — Chapter 15 of PCT deals with Margarine; edible mixtures or preparations of animal or vegetable fats or oils or of fractions of different fats or oils of this Chapter, other than edible fats or oils or their fractions of heading 15.16. Regulatory duty at 20 percent
has been withdrawn on on imports under PCT codes 1901.9020; 1901.9090; 1905.9000 and 2103.9000, by units engaged in production of value added chicken products. Chapter 19 of PCT deals with imports of Malt extract; food preparations of Ulour, groats, meal, starch or malt extract, not containing cocoa or containing less than 40 percent by weight of cocoa calcu-
lated on a totally defatted basis, not elsewhere speciUied or included; food preparations of goods of headings 04. 01 to 04.04, not containing cocoa or containing less than 5 percent by weight of cocoa calculated on a totally defatted basis, not elsewhere speciUied or included. 20pc regulatory duty withdrawn Chapter 21 of PCT deals with imports of sauces and preparations therefor; mixed condiments and mixed seasonings; mustard Ulour and meal and prepared mustard. 20pc regulatory duty withdrawn Regulatory duty at 10 percent has been withdrawn on import of silver cans and lollipop sticks under PCT 3926.9099 Regulatory duty at 10 percent withdrawn on import of parts under PCT codes 3926.9099 and 4016.9990 if imported by vendors of automotive OEM sector.
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FIA raids fake soap factory Thursday January 11, 2018
National custom preventive foils bid to smuggle gold, mobile worth millions of rupees
PESHAWAR: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has conducted raids on various soap factories located on Ring road here and seized a fake soap factory on charges of copy rights violations. FIA also arrested owner of the factory and seized all soap which were being prepared with different brand names of various company. FIA acting on a complaint lodged by factory town of Sandha Soap Malik Ibrahim Qureshi conducted raid on ring road and inspected various factories.
fBr remembers late customs inspector Abdul Qadir Abro
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ISLAMABAD
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ollectorate of Customs Preventive has foiled a bid to smuggle gold and cellular phones worth millions of rupees at the arrival section of the Jinnah International Airport (JIAP). Sources told Customs Today that Collector Preventive Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad received information regarding the smuggling of gold and cellular phones worth millions of rupees through a passenger coming from Dubai. A team was constituted and was instructed to enhance the surveillance as well as to carry out strict checking at both arrival and the departure lounges of the airport. On suspicion, the team of Customs Preventive intercepted a woman passenger who reached Karachi through flight No FZ329 from Dubai. The customs officer asked the passenger for their travel documents as well as to get the luggage checked.
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fBr attaches bank accounts of M/s royal palm county club he Federal Board of Revenue has freeze bank accounts of a renowned Royal Palm Golf and County Club. FBR has also recovered Rs53,000 from bank accounts of Royal Palm. According to the sources of Customs Today, FBR has attached bank accounts of Royal Palm Golf and Country Club in United Bank Sundar Das Road recovered Rs53000 as well in the wake of income tax. Royal Palm County Club was defaulter of income tax for the year of 2014 and Rs30 million were evaded in terms of income tax. On other hand the Federal Board of Revenue has issued final notice to number of famous and costly fashion designers. –CB Report
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he Federal Board of Revenue has announced deep regret over the sad demise of Abdul Qadir Abro, a BS-16 ofUicer of Customs Department. The ofUicer was born on August 7, 1962 and joined government service on October 24, 1982. At the time of his death, the ofUicer was posted as Inspector, Model Customs Collectorate, Gwadar. The FBR appreciated the dedicated services rendered by the deceased ofUicer. While expressing grief at his death, the Board conveys its commiseration to the members of the bereaved family, praying, “May his soul rest in eternal peace and may Allah Almighty give patience and for-
titude to the family members to bear this irreparable loss.” Meanwhile, Baasit Hussain, a Pakistan Customs Service ofUicer of BS-18, has assumed charge as Deputy Collector. Bassit,
pursuing the Board’s NotiUication No. 3243-C-I/2017 dated 15.12.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Deputy Collector, Model Customs Collectorate, Hyderabad with effect
from December 20 and took the charge of the post of Deputy Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Exports (Port Muhammad Bin Qasim), Karachi.
Dry port peshawar goes profitable by earning rs426.89m more revenue yearly T
PESHAWAR
irfAn BAHADur
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he Dry Port Peshawar has got Rs3510.08million of revenue collection up to December of current Financial Year 2017-18 which is Rs426.89million more than the revenue collection in December of previous FY 2016-17. The record showed on Monday that the Dry Port Peshawar collected Customs Duty of Rs1444.05million up to December of current FY 2017-18 in which the Dry Port Peshawar did Rs367million Redemption Duty and generated Rs0.3million by selling of miscellaneous goods. The Dry Port Peshawar received Rs1276.27million revenue under the head of Sales Tax in which Rs202.58million was done as ST on VM com imports in December of current FY 2017-18. The Dry Port
Peshawar earned Rs561.51million of Withholding Tax in December of current FY2017-18 including Rs26.46million collected as Federal Excise Duty by December of current
FY. The customs staff posted at the Dry Port Peshawar has been busy in two shifts to facilitate the consignments’ clearance of the importers after strict measures were ordered
by the Federal Board of Revenue. The Dry Port Peshawar clears goods weighed million of tons each month for which special duty hours have been announced at the DPP.
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Faisalabad Appraisement collects Rs1451.602m FAISALABAD: The Model Customs Collectorate Appraisement has collected revenue of Rs1451.602 million in wake of duty and taxes during the month of December 2017. Sources told Customs Today, that under the dynamic leadership of Collector Muhammad Sadiq the Customs Appraisement collected Rs414.169 million under the head of customs duty during the said period. It collected Rs1027.609 million as sales tax, besides generating Rs9.824 million under the head of income tax. It is necessary to mention here that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has not given revenue target for ďŹ nancial year 2017-18.
customs Quetta exploits its potential excellently by earning rs837m QUETTA
TAriQ DerYA
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he Model Customs Collectorate Quetta generated Rs837.00million extra revenue of all duties and taxes against an assigned revenue collection target for the month of December Fiscal Year 2017-18. According to details given by Ashraf Ali, Collector, Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Quetta, to Customs Today during an exclusive interview that all the stations of Quetta Customs proved profitable during the month of December FY17-18. He notified CT that, during above said period, the collectorate was allocated a revenue collection target of Rs1361million under all the heads against revenue collection of Rs2198million. He added that the collectorate received approxi-
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mately double revenue collection against an earmarked target for the month of December FY17-18. Ali told the correspondent that, during the month of December FY17-18, the Customs Collectorate Quetta frustrated an attempt to smuggle 5000 liters of Iranian origin diesel under the garb of documents/vouchers issued by M/s Pakistan State Oil (PSO) whereas the ASO Quetta inpounded 54 Non-Duty-Paid (NDP) vehicles valued at Rs59.00million during three weeks of December FY17-18. The collectorate took into possession goods and vehicles of Rs113million during said period. The ASO Quetta also confiscated Iranian priced at Rs24.869million during first July to October FY17-18, the collector said. During the month of December FY17-18, the Customs Station Taftan received Rs864.00million of all duties and taxes against an assigned revenue collection target of Rs460.00million which is a double extra revenue against an allocated target during said period.
Thursday January 11, 2018
National
Dg customs Valuation Surriya to revise Valuation ruling no: 756/2015 on 18th
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ational Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore showed another breakthrough in National Industrial Parks Development (NIPD) corruption case and rounded up accused Faisal Shamim, Chief Executive of Furniture Pakistan (FP) over allegations of purchasing several kanals of Land in Sargodha amounting to Rs 5 Million only over much higher rates worth Rs 70.4 Million and caused a huge loss to national kitty. According to further details, an investigation is underway in NAB Lahore against former CEO, Khalid Mehmood Chadda of Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) and Faisal Shamim CEO Furniture Pakistan and others for illegally procuring land in Sargodha by allegedly misusing their authority and by obtaining illegal pecuniary benefits through dishonest and illegitimate means which is congnizable under NAB Law. Being CEO of Furniture Pakistan and member of Monitoring Committee, the accused, Faisal Shamim, purchased the land in violaton of PPRA Rules, terms and conditions specially designed for Tender Advertisement.
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irector General, Customs Valuation, Surriya Ahmed Butt, has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 756/2015 on January 18, 2018, it is learnt. Director General Surriya Butt has said the department was reviewing suggestions from various importers to set the new prices of Electrolytic Tin Plate (ETP) and Tin Free Sheets (TFS). She said some valuations, issued in 2015, were being reviewed from the beginning. Moreover, the valuations will be set in view of the rising prices in the international market. Sources told CT that a petition was submitted by the importers to Customs Valuation in which change in prices of Electrolytic Tin Plate (ETP) and Tin Free Sheets (TFS) was requested. Sources further told CT that Valuation Ruling No: 756/2015 was issued on September 1, 2015. A meeting was held with the stakeholders on 1st of January 2018. Importers were told to furnish the import invoices of the last three months showing factual values as well as websites, names and e-mail
nAB rounds up ce of fp in nipD corruption case
addresses of known foreign manufacturers of the item in question through which the actual current value could be ascertained. Source said nowadays Director General Surriya Ahmed Butt is continuing meetings with importers as a number of applications have been submitted from importers to change the prices of import items. Meanwhile, Director General, Customs Valuation, Surriya Ahmed Butt, has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 844/2016 on Feb-
ruary 2, 2018, it is learnt. Director General Surriya Butt has said the department was reviewing suggestions from importers to set new prices of plastic baby feeders. She said some valuations, issued in 2016, were being reviewed from the beginning. Moreover, valuations will be set in view of rising prices in the international markets. Sources said a petition was submitted by the importers to Customs Valuation in which change in prices of plastic baby feeders was requested.
nLc to build new border terminal in South waziristan
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PESHAWAR
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he National Logistic Cell (NLC) has decided to construct new border terminal at Angoor Adda, South Waziristan. Sources said that constructing new terminals and upgrading the existing terminals will help restricting the movement of terrorists and curb illegal trade across the borders. They said besides upgrading Chamman Border Terminal, two other terminals are under consideration at the Afghanistan border. The sources said besides Taftan at the Iranian border , other
modern terminal are also being planned. The construction of terminals is an integral part of bigger border management of the country with its neighbours, the official
sources said. The construction of modern terminals will eliminate the movement of anti-state elements and curb the illegal trade, they claimed and said that under
one roof the representatives of ANF, Customs, FIA, Nadra and other security agencies will perform their duties, reduce time consumption and help the documentation of all human and good trafficking. Meanwhile, a press release issued here said in order to fully exploit the unique geo-strategic position of Pakistan and make it a potential hub of transit trade, National Logistics Cell (NLC) has chalked out detailed plans for establishment of new border terminals at key entry/exit points with neighbouring countries besides upgrading the existing ones at Chaman, Torkham and Wahga.
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World Customs
Japan nuclear exports carry risks rewards
TOKYO: Power in 2012 at the height of post Fukushima anti nuclear sentiment, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has promoted nuclear energy as a pillar of his economic agenda at home and abroad. Indeed, despite the industry’s diminishing domestic prospects, his return to office signals the continuation of policies promoting Japanese nuclear technology abroad as a means of addressing the nation’s trade deficit, ironically a product of the suspension of most of Japan’s own reactors.
Thursday January 11, 2018
china Vietnam seafood grey trade hit by smuggling
Millions lost to smuggling of onions apples CAPETOWN
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n industry source in Vietnam told Undercurrent that most logistics agents on the Chinese side of the border with Vietnam are now refusing to take seafood from Vietnam smuggled through the grey trade, until they clarify whether the latest crackdown is another flash in the pan or indicates a more substantial shift in Chinese government policy. “Most of the logistic agents on the China side have stopped picking up cargo as of the year end [and won’t pick up anymore] until Jan. 8,” said the source, who did not wish to be quoted by name. “They’re waiting to see if the Chinese government has changed rules. According to the source, Chinese authorities are speciUically targeting importers who under-report the
oiling lasting peace with north korea EOL:Starting with restrictions on exports of military equipment and luxury goods, the United Nations sanctions have got steadily stiffer and more countries have joined in with individual penalties, including Australia and the European Union states. The most recent resolution adopted by the UN Security Council, which Pyongyang described as an “act of war”, includes sharply lower limits on North Korea’s refined oil imports, the return home of all North Koreans working overseas within 24 months, and a crackdown on ships smuggling banned items, including coal and oil, to and from the country. The Kim regime has not only survived this concatenation of sanctions, it seems to have also thrived; Pyongyang has tested the full range of nuclear weapons it considers essential for North Korea’s. –CB Report
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quantity of products; describe products incorrectly to beneUit from lower tariffs (for instance, declaring shrimp as Uish); or declare goods not originally from Vietnam as being from the country. Last week’s nationwide operation co-ordinated by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) referred to as operation “4.12” – speciUically targeted seafood
smuggling, according to local media. Around 500 members of local police, customs, border defense and maritime police carried out raids of suspected smuggling operations in 11 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, as well as seafood hubs Qingdao, Zhanjiang and Haikou. Legitimate seafood trade with Vietnam is still permitted, the source added.
russia’s oil friendship with china makes crude costly for europe
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urope’s set to be stuck with a higher oil bill as Russia shifts more of its supply to the Chinese oil market. As the world’s second-biggest economy buys more, crude shipments from Primorsk port in the Baltic region will be cut, according to industry consultant FGE. The reduction will push up the price of varieties available for sale to Europe. Russia is already the biggest supplier to the China, and will prob-
ably boost exports to the country by 200,000 barrels a day in 2018 from a year earlier, FGE said. After a glut sparked the biggest price crash in a generation and starvedRussia of oil revenues, the nation sought to boost market share in the world’s top importer. It’s now supplanted Saudi Arabia as the top exporter to China, even as the two producers lead efforts to shrink the global oversupply by curbing output. –CB Report
umggling of onion and apples from South Africa is depriving the Uiscus of millions of dollars worth of potential tax revenue, the Fresh Produce Marketers’ Association of Zimbabwe has said. “Currently, the manner in which production, importation and marketing of fresh produce, particularly apples and onions, is creating an uneven playing Uield and prejudicing the Uiscus,” Mushori told stakeholders at a consultation workshop on strategies to revive the horticulture sector on Wednesday. The government has put a 25% surtax on apples and onions to protect the local industry. However, the country does not produce enough apples to satisfy local demand. “The 25% surtax has resulted in loss of revenue to central government be-
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cause the informal traders do not pay taxes, as they transact on a cash basis. The 25% surtax motivates traders to take the risk of smuggling with an estimated 32 000 tonnes of apples coming through the border at a value of about $35,2 million. The government is being prejudiced of 25% of this value,” Mushori said. The country produces at least 4 000 tonnes of apples against a demand of 35 000 tonnes. Mushori said while registered companies pay the full 25% of the invoice value and meet other statutory obligations, informal traders do not pay the surtax and other obligations. Meanwhile, Rwanda has banned the import of meat, dairy products, vegetables and fruit from South Africa because of the purported presence of the listeriosis viral disease. The ban, aimed to prevent the spread of the disease to Rwanda, became effective on December 19th 2017. Listeriosis is a serious, but treatable and preventable disease caused by the bacterium listeria monocytogenes.
netherland grape exports grew by 4% he manager of Agricultural exports of the Association of Exporters (ADEX), Paula Carrion Tello, stated that grapes were Peru’s most exported fruit, and that Piura’s grape production was equalling that of Ica, a region that has stood out as the main supplier of the local and international markets for many years. She also said that 30% of the grape shipments were harvested in the Uirst half of the year and that the remaining 70% were harvested in the second half.”This year there was a lower harvest in Piura. This region usually produces from September to January, while Ica produces from
November to February. The production volume of these regions is leveling out,” she said. Carrion said that grape exports accounted for 15% of the total fruit sent abroad, followed by blueberries, mangoes, tangerines, and bananas. “The grape’s growth was mainly due to the diversiUication of markets, varieties, and the increase of production areas in Piura and Arequipa,” he said. The Red Globe was the most sold variety, he said, adding that in recent years the country also exported the Flame Seedless, Sugraone, Thompson Seedless, and Crimson Seedless, among others varieties. –CB Report
philippines prepares economy for bumper year
O MANILA
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fUicials in the Philippines, one of Asia’s fastest growing economies, are planning a series of economic stimulus measures in 2018 to ease poverty and compensate for a lag in foreign investment. Manila is building $169 bil-
lion in infrastructure, such as railways and an airport terminal, while toying with legal changes that would let foreigners own larger shares of localized businesses, VoA reported. In another major step, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law this month the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion act. Tax revenue would pay for infrastructure and social services.
The idea is to create jobs and bring in foreign investment. Those outcomes would help sustain economic growth while giving the government funds to ease poverty that afUlicts about a quarter of the population of 102 million. The World Bank forecasts 6.7% growth in the Philippine economy this year followed by 6.8% in 2018 and 2019. Much of the growth comes from
overseas remittances, a boom in callcenter jobs and consumption. A cornerstone of Duterte’s economic policies is the “Build, Build, Build” program to replace decayed infrastructure through 2022 by adding the likes of railways and expressways. OfUicials hope new infrastructure will entice foreign factory investment that’s now deterred in part by transportation delays.
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Brisk business on the cards for Thai exports despite risks KARACHI: The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) issued the following shipping report for the last 24 hours, ending 0700 hours. ALONG SIDE (Bulk Oil Pier) OP-II Chemroad Sakura L. Ethnol Alpine 31/12/17 ALONG SIDE (East Wharves) 10/11 Rown 2 D. Steel Aaras-Sh. 31/12/17 10/11 Triton Valk D. Coal Wilhelmsen 30/12/17 15/16 Pan IVY D. Scrap Sinopak 25/12/17 ALONG SIDE(P.I.C.T) 6/7 Virgo D. L. Cnt. East Wind 31/12/17 8/9 Ever Unique D. L. Cnt. Green Pak 31/12/17 ALONG SIDE(PDWCP): SAPT-4 Long Beach Trader D. L. Cnt. Sharaf-Sh. 01/01/18 Along Side(West Wharves) 25 Kong Que Song D. Gen. Cargo COSCO 01/01/18 ALONG SIDE (K.I.C.T): 26/27 APL Japan D. L. Cnt. APL 30/12/17 29/30 Newark D. L. Cnt. NYK Line 31/12/17 EXPECTED ARRIVALS: CONTAINER (GEARLESS) Maribor COSCO 01/01/18 Not Sched 600 Cnt. 600 Cnt.
five ships take berth at port Qasim ive ships, Virgo, Prosper, Kirri Billi, Epic Saradina and Kano Carrying containers, Canola Seeds, LPG and LNG were allotted berths at Qasim International Container Terminal, Grain & Fertilizer Terminal, Engro Vopak Terminal and PGPC Terminal respectively during last 24 hours, said a report issued by Port Qasim Authority (PQA). Meanwhile three more ships Glorious, Horizon and MSC Maeva carrying Diesel Oil, LPG and Containers also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. Berth occupancy was observed at the Port at 59% on Sunday where total of ten ships namely Virgo, Prosper, Pan Oceanis, Yasa Pembe, Kirri Billi, Epic Sardina, While Purl, Kano, AlKhattiya and Lime Galaxy was occupied at berths to load/offload Containers, Rice, Coal, Canola Seeds, LPG, LNG and Palm oil. A cargo volume of 137,905 tonnes,
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Ports & Shipping
new iran-oman shipping route to help boost bilateral trade
russia accused of aiding north korea with 100m gallon oil transfers at sea statement from the foreign ministry said Russia had “fully and strictly observed the sanctions regime” introduced in a bid to curb Kim Jong-un’s missile testing programme and nuclear ambitions. Moscow spoke out after two separate, unidentified western European security sources alleged ship-to-ship transfers took place in October and November and represented a breach of sanctions. The statement did not address whether the ships had transferred the fuel. But it said resolutions by the UN security council imposed limits on North Korea’s refined oil imports rather than banning them altogether. The security sources said the Russian-flagged tanker Vityaz was one vessel that had transferred fuel to North Korean vessels. Modern oil tankers can carry almost 100 MILLION gallons – just a handful of such transfers would be enough to keep North Korea unafraid of UK sanctions for years. –CB Report
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BEIJING
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he new shipping route launched between Iran’s Khorramshahr Port and Oman’s Sohar Port is expected to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion in the next four years, the chairman of Iran-Oman Chamber of Commerce said. Mohsen Zarrabi added that trade between the two countries rose from $148 million in the Uiscal 201314 to $540 million last year (201617). The ofUicial noted that the opening of two other shipping routes, namely Chabahar-Sohar and Bushehr-Sohar, is also on the agenda of the joint chamber, Mehr News Agency reported. Sohar Port is a deep-sea port located in Sohar, the capital and largest city of Al Batinah North Governorate midway between Dubai and Muscat. According to Gholamreza Shariati, the provincial governor of Khuzestan (where Khor-
Thursday January 11, 2018
ramshahr Port is located), shipping routes from the Iranian port to Qatar and Kuwait will be launched soon to improve the export infrastructures of the southern province. Abbas Abdolkhani, Iran’s commercial attaché to Oman, said Iran exported close to 1.3 million tons of goods worth $374 million to Oman during the eight months to Nov. 21. The main exported products include iron and steel, tar, copper cathode, petrochemicals, food-
stuff, fruit and vegetable and construction material. “Iran exported its first wheat consignment of 29,630 tons to Oman in June. The shipment was part of the 2 million tons of surplus wheat produced last year,” Mohammad Reza Zarei, the head of Food Bulk Carriage Affairs Office at the Bulk and General Cargo Carriage Company affiliated to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, told Financial Tribune.
S korea seizes Hk ship for oil transfer to north korea comprising 114,181 tonnes import cargo and 23,724 tonnes, export cargo inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 2,892 containers (TEUs), (1,691 TEUs imports and 1,201 TEUs exports) was handled at the port. Container Vessel ‘Prosper’ sailed out to sea on Monday morning, while two more ships ‘Yasa Pembe’ and Lime Galaxy are expected to sail on same day. Four ships, Mediterranean Bridge, MSC Maeva, Newark and Reem-3 carrying containers and Bitumen are expected to take berths at QICT and MW-1 respectively on Monday, while Container MSC Busan and Bulk Cargo carrier Fareast Honesty are due to arrive at PQ on Tuesday. –CB Report
HONG KONG
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resident Donald Trump accused China of “allowing oil to go into North Korea”. South Korea said that in late November it seized a Hong Kong-Ulagged ship, the Lighthouse Winmore, suspected of transferring oil to North Korea. The Lighthouse Winmore, a Hong KongUlagged ship, is seen in waters off Yeosu, South Korea. In an interview with The New York Times, published Thursday, Trump claimed “oil is going into North Korea” and appeared to blame China, saying if Beijing fails to put pressure on Pyongyang then the United States may take punitive economic actions against Beijing. “I have been soft on China because the only thing more important to me than trade is war”, he
said. Beijing though is adamant that it has done nothing wrong. “We will never allow Chinese citizens and enterprises to engage in activities that violate Security Council resolutions”. South Korean authorities were quick to substantiate President Trump’s accusations against China, seeming to conUirm the fears of the UN Security Council. According to the wire service, “two senior Western European security sources” claim that Russian tankers have transferred fuel cargo at sea to North Korea at least three times over the past few months, an apparent violation of United Nations sanctions. South Korea’s customs service concluded that the Lighthouse Winmore had loaded about 14,000 tons of Japanese reUined petroleum products in South Korea on October 11, reportedly bound for Taiwan, the South Korea ofUicial said. Instead of going to Taiwan, how-
ever, the vessel transferred the oil to the North’s Sam Jong 2 as well as to three other non-North Korean vessels in worldwide waters, the ofUicial said. “The Hong Kong-Ulagged ship was chartered by Taiwanese company Billions Bunker Group and previously visited South Korea’s Yeosu Port on October 11 to load up on Japanese reUined oil and head to its claimed destination in Taiwan, the authorities noted”. Trump’s criticism of China came after the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo, quoting anonymous sources, reported that United States spy satellites have spotted 30 ship-to-ship transfers of oil and other products since October in worldwide waters between North Korea and China. “There will never be a friendly solution to the North Korea problem if this continues to happen!” the president said, without citing the source of his infor-
mation. Not just that, the images reportedly also show the names of the ships and one of them, connected to a Chinese ship to receive oil, has been identified as Rye Song Gang 1, which was sanctioned on November 21. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis was asked by reporters on Friday whether the U.S. Navy might become involved in seizing vessels suspected of transferring oil to North Korea. The US Treasury Department released satellite imagery in November of two ships allegedly performing an illegal ship-to-ship transfer in worldwide waters on the same day. The tanker is chartered by Taiwanese-owned company Billion Bunker Group, which is registered to an address in the Ajeltake town of the Majuro atoll in the Marshall Islands included in theInternational Consortium of Investigative Journalists’ Offshore Leaks Database.
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PFA seals frozen foods factory, five other units for violating standards Thursday January 11, 2018
Business
LAHORE: Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has sealed production unit of famous frozen foods and five other food productions for not being compliant to PFA’s instructions despite several warning notices to them. Following the Director General PFA Noorul Amin Mengal’s directions, PFA’s Food Safety Teams (FSTs) carried out crackdown in the area of Raiwind and Akbari Mandi for examining the food quality and ensure the presence of food safety standards. According to details, PFA watchdogs raided on frozen foods factory located in the area of Raiwind Road where teams found that no proper mechanism was adopted to dispose of used oil and they failed to meet food standards.
‘nigeria can avail pak cooperation in various sectors’ ISLAMABAD
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rime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said Pakistan could provide cooperation to Nigeria in various sectors including health, infrastructure, education and human resource management. “There is a lot of trade potential between the two countries that can be utilized for the benefit of the people of Pakistan and Nigeria,” he told High Commissioner of Nigeria in Pakistan Maj. Gen (retd) Ashimiyu Adebayo Olaniyi who called on him at the PM Office. In this context, the prime minis-
Secp registers 83,879 cos by end-2017 KARACHI
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ter also emphasized the need for regularly holding the Pakistan – Nigeria Joint Ministerial Commis-
chinese Deputy chief of Mission, rehman Malik discuss cpec projects
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ecurities and Exchange Commission (SECP) has said the company registration has increased to 83,879 by end of year 2017, according to a statement issued. In the first half of current financial year, the commission registered 4,954 new companies, raising the total number of companies to 83,879. As compared to the corresponding month of last financial year, it represents a growth of 44 percent. The massive increase in number of new companies is the result of the SECP’s various.
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sion meetings, PM office media wing said in a press release. The prime minister said Pak-
istan and Nigeria shared many commonalities and also faced similar challenges. The brotherly countries could help each other through sharing of expertise, he added. He also congratulated Ambassador Olaniyi on his appointment to Pakistan. The prime minister recalled his meeting with President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari on the sidelines of 9th D-8 Summit in October last year. The Nigerian high commissioner thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and expressed his strong commitment to further expanding bilateral relations. The Nigerian high commissioner thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and expressed his strong commitment to further expanding bilateral relations.
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ISLAMABAD
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eputy Chief of Mission of China in Pakistan Lijian Zhao Tuesday discussed bilateral relations, matters of mutual interests and projects related to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with former Interior Minister A Rehman Malik. Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior Rehman Malik told Zhao that both Pakistan and China were agreed to continue to
work together for the development and progress of the two nations and regional peace, said a press release. Senator A. Rehman Malik said that he and every Pakistani were proud of Sino-Pak friendship as China had always extended timely support to Pakistan in every difUicult time. China and Pakistan have been together Uighting against terrorists who are common enemy of Pakistan and China. Senator A. Rehman Malik expressed his concerns on the growing inUluence of Daish through Afghanistan and said if timely actions were not taken by
the international community, Daish can grow a bigger monster than AlQaeeda. The International community now required working in full unity against these enemies of humanity who were responsible for disturbing regional peace, he added. He said that Pakistan and China would take forward the CPEC project as it was in the interest of the both countries particularly and for betterment of the region in general. The Chinese workers and companies in Pakistan would be provided full safety and security, said Senator Rehman Malik.
pak exported rice worth $147.310 million GILGIT
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asmati rice worth US$ 147.310 million was exported from the country during first five months of current financial year as compared the exports of US$ 143.294 million of the corresponding period of last year. Exports of basmati rice from the country grew by 2.80 percent during the period form July-November, 2017-18 as it was recorded at 144,093 metric tons as against the exports of 150,631 metric tons exported in the same period of last year. Meanwhile, rice other then basmati valuing US$ 497.060 million exported during the period under review as compared the exports of US$ 414.42 million of of same period last year, according the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. During the period under review, about 1,206,877 metric tons of rice other then basmati exported as against the exports of 1,125,225 metric tons of same period last year, it added. In five months of current financial year, rice exports from the country grew by 15.62 percent as about 1,350,916 metric tons of rice valuing US$ 644.370 million exported as compared the exports of 1,275,856 million worth US$ 557.336 million of same period of last year, it added.
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karandaaz to invest rs700m from DfiD in oriX Leasing KARACHI
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arandaaz Pakistan, supported by UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), is providing a loan of Rs700 million to ORIX Leasing Pakistan to increase access to finance for small enterprises. A statement said that ORIX will use this facility to on-lend to small businesses and grow the
share of loans to small enterprises in its portfolio. It said that small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are vital to economic and social progress. According to the State Bank, SMEs contribute 30 percent to Pakistan’s GDP, driving economic growth and job creation. Karandaaz is committed to enhancing access to finance for SMEs and this agreement with ORIX will contribute to achieving this target. This loan facility from Karandaaz
will beneUit over 160 small businesses, creating approximately 850 new jobs, and increasing revenue for the partner businesses by Rs. 4.4 billion. Ali Sarfraz, CEO Karandaaz Pakistan said ‘We believe that this loan facility from Karandaaz will enable ORIX to enhance its focus on small enterprises, in line with its credit model and business strategy. This is one of many such initiatives that Karandaaz Pakistan has undertaken to promote inclusive eco-
nomic growth, job creation, and improved incomes through greater Uinancial inclusion of Pakistanis’. Shaheen Amin, CEO ORIX Leasing Pakistan said ‘ORIX has been operating in Pakistan for over 30 years and is currently the only leasing company with meaningful operations in the leasing sector. In addition to a wide outreach, it is also the largest Non-Banking Finance Company that focuses on SMEs. It has positioned itself in the industry with
a risk assessment model that is well suited to extend credit to SMEs’. Ms. Joanna Reid, Head of DFID Pakistan said, ‘The UK is working with Karandaaz in Pakistan to think big but start small; a stronger small business segment for an economy means a direct increase in jobs and revenue growth for the country. This loan facility is part of the UK Department for International Development’s (DFID) efforts to deepen access to Uinance for small enterprises.
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Optimistic outlook for 2018 world economy SHANGHAI: The global economy may this year see its fastest growth since 2011, driven mostly by African countries. It will also be most energy hungry ever, the latest forecast by PwC says. “Among the 17 countries with a faster economy growth than China will be India, Ghana, Ethiopia and the Philippines, which will lead to a broader growth in Africa and the Asian economies. According to our GEW, of the ten fastest growing economies, eight could be African,” Csaba Polacsek, business consultance partner at PwC Hungary said. PwC has released its final Global Economy Watch (GEW) of 2017, with predictions for 2018. According to a press release sent to Budapest Business Journal, one of the main findings of the final GEW of last year is that global economic growth may be the fastest since 2011.
‘Aggrieved growers to desist from cultivating sugarcane crop’
Thursday January 11, 2018
Chambers
icci shows concerns over 41 pc rise in foreign debt during last 4 years
HYDERABAD
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he Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA) has warned that a large number of farmers- dismayed by the sugarcane price controversy- will not cultivate sugarcane crop in the next season. A meeting of the SCA chaired by its General Secretary Zahid Bhurgari at the chamber’s office here Sunday also decried that despite 3-month delay in the cane buying the sugar mills were making unjustified deductions. “Due to the tribulations and financial losses which have been suffered by the farmers this year and in the previous many years a large number of farmers don’t seem inclined to grow cane crop,” the meeting observed. They complained
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that against the Sindh Sugar Factories Control Act, 1950, the sugarcane buying process started few days ago after 3 months procrastination on part of the sugar mills. The meeting also highlighted problems in the cultivation of cotton crop due to sell of allegedly spurious seed, fertilizer and pesticides and the crop’s low price in the market. The meeting condemned the registration of FIR under Anti Terrorism Act against farmers in Ghotki district where a sit-in protest on the highway continued for 4 to 5 days over sugarcane price controversy. The office bearers and members of the SCA including Mir Abdul Karim Talpur, Mir Sikandar Talpur, Ghulam Mujtaba Unar, Syed Khadim Hussain Shah, Muhammad Khan Sarejo, Qazi Adeel and others attended the meeting. The farmers representatives from Karachi, Sanghar, Sukkur and Ghotki districts attended the meeting through the video conference.
ISLAMABAD
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he Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has shown great concerns over the constant rise in foreign debt which has increased by more than 41 percent during the last four years and called upon the government to focus on generating indigenous resources to reduce heavy reliance on foreign debt as the increasing foreign debt would further hike the cost of debt servicing and constrain the economic growth of the country. Sheikh Amir Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that foreign debt of Pakistan was around $ 60.9 billion in 2013, which has gone up to $ 85 billion by September 2017 showing an increase of over 41% during the last four years. He said the constant rise in foreign debt was the major cause of poverty and under-development in the country as Pakistan was spending about 65 percent of its revenue on debt servicing. He said after debt repayment, the country was left with
very insufficient financial resources to spend on defense, health, education, development and private sector credit. He said the further accumulation in foreign debt would weaken economic future of Pakistan as rising debt would consume major portion of future budgets leaving meagre resources for economic development of the country. He said Pakistan’s foreign debt was just around $3 billion by December 1971, but it was unfortunate that over the last
46 years, foreign debt has registered a phenomenal increase of over 2700 percent. It clearly showed that our successive governments have contributed to make Pakistan one of the highly indebted countries as the economic growth of the country never matched with consistent rise in foreign debt. He said it was the need of the hour that Pakistani authorities should reorient economic policies and focus on indigenous resources for the development of the country. Muhammad
kATi shares trade issues with new fppci body KARACHI
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delegation of Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI) lead by Senior Vice President Salman Aslam called on The Federation Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI). The delegation offered congratulations to The Petron in Chief of United Business Group (UBG) SM Muneer, newly elected Senior Vice President Syed Mazhar Ali Nasir, Vice Presidents of FPCCI Zahid Saeed and Tariq Haleem on the remarkable victory in recent elections of the Federation, said a KATI statement. On the occasion SM Muneer Said that to Uight back economic challenges faced by Pakistan business community they should show unity and come forward with solu-
tions to the situations. He said that UBG has set a trend of indiscriminate services to all business community and surly the newly elected ofUice bearers would continue the same spirit. Earlier, the SVP FPCCI Mazhar a Nasir welcomed the delegation of KATI lead by Salman Aslam and matter of common interests and concerns were discussed. In the meeting Mazhar Ali Nasir also invited the representatives of KATI to provide the association’s input for underway proposals of FPCCI to present government regarding Economic reforms and upcoming budget. Salman Aslam ensured full support of KATI for FPCCI efforts to resolve concern of business and industrialist community. He also briefed the FPCCI representatives regarding issues faced by industry and particularly about Korangi Industrial Area. The Vice President of KATI Junaid Naqi, former Pres-
idents and Chairman of the Association Gulzar Firoz, Johar Ali Qandhari, SM Yahya, Shaikh Fazal-e-Jalil, Zaki Sharif, Shahid Javed Qureshi and other were also represented KATI on this occasion. Meanwhile, Secretary General (Federal) of the Businessmen Panel and Former Chairman Standing Committee FPCCI, Ahmad Jawad here suggested direct access of Pakistan made products to the markets of United Sates of America (USA). He said the tense situation that has emerged only recently is not favorable to any of two, one time close allies, and the concept of aid must be urgently replaced by trade. “This is all the more important as Pakistan has suffered colossal Uinancial loss for playing front-line role in the war on terror and US must support Pakistan to achieve its economic prosperity and self-reliance,” said the seasoned businessman.
Naveed, Senior Vice President and Nisar Mirza, Vice President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that if the trend of relying on foreign debt to run the affairs of the country was not curbed, the Pakistan would have to obtain more loans even for debt repayment. They stressed that the government should take urgent measures to generate indigenous resources and arrest the unhealthy trend of rising foreign debt as it has multiple negative effects on the economy.
exports likely to touch $23.5b by June this year he Ministry of Commerce and Textile is expecting gradual increase in the country’s exports volume which would touch $23.5 billion by the end of the financial year 2017-18. “We are in consultation with all the stakeholders, including chambers of commerce and traders, for developing consensus on Strategic Policy Framework (STPF),” a top official of the Ministry of Commerce. He said initial draft for STPF would be prepared in February and the commerce policy 2018-19 would be announced in July this year. He said in last seven months, 12 to 13 percent growth was witnessed in the exports, which was a good omen and hoped that the increasing trend would continue. –CB Report
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About Rs468m generated by Customs Appraisement Faisalabad in six months FAISALABAD: The Collectorate of Customs Appraisement surpassed the revenue collection target assigned for July-December 2017-18 as it collected Rs7192.197million against a set target of Rs6724.93million. So Rs468million has remained surplus. Sources told Customs Today that the Custom Appraisement was allocated Rs4864.35million revenue collection target of Sales Tax (ST) but it exceeded the target by 106.7 percent since it generated Rs5192.567million during the above said period.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
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collector customs Quetta leaves for iran to discuss border & trade issues QUETTA wAQAr AHMeD AnSAri www.customsbulletin.com
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shraf Ali, Collector Model Customs Collectorate Quetta, left for Iran to participate in a Pak-Iran Customs border meeting. According to details given by sources of Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Quetta that Ashraf Ali, Collector MCC Quetta, along with Additional Collector Zubair Shah and Deputy Collector Junaid Mehmud left for Iran via Taftan International Border to take part in the above said border-related meeting by road the other day (Wednesday). The sources told Customs Today that the above said participants will attended the meeting at Mirjaveh Seistan Balochistan (IRAN) to discuss the border issues regarding the Customs Department. Sources told CT that, on August 2017, Pakistan and Iran, during 5th Joint Border Trade Committee meeting held in Zahedan, have agreed to make combined efforts for Uighting the challenges faced by the traders on both sides of the border. Sources informed CT that Pakistani delegation from Balochistan had been headed by former Customs Collector Quetta Dr Saeed Jadoon with Industry and
Trade Quetta President Haji Abdul Wadood Achakzai, Patron-In Chief Ghulam Farooq Khan, Juma Khan Badezai, Haji Abdur Rehman Shah
Agha, Muhammad Ayoub, Haji Fateh Khan, Haji Zahir Achakzai and others. The Iranian delegation was led by Sistan-Balochistan Governor Ali
Ausath Hashmi who held Uifth meeting of Joint Border Trade Committee. Haji Abdul Wadood Achakzai, presenting minutes on behalf of the
Quetta Chamber of Commerce, said the Balochistan traders wanted increase in the volume of trade with the neighbouring country.
customs Multan earns rs33.1m by auctioning off vehicles & items FAISALABAD
nAeeM SHeikH
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he Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation, Federal Board of Revenue Multan and Regional OfUice Faisalabad, have fetched Rs 33.1million through a successful auction of non-duty-paid vehicles and miscellaneous items and also recovered revenue after releasing different consignments
on payment of duties and taxes for the month of December 2017. Director Ch Muhammad Akram has lauded the process of auction. Taking to Customs Today, he said that, under the directions of Director General (DG) Shouqat Ali, the staff ensured that maximum people participate in the auction. Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate organized the auction and made a history in the auction by generating a large amount of revenue. The presented vehicles attracted everyone in the auction. The Multan Customs received Rs28million through the
auction of seized goods including Toyota Corolla car, Model 2003, Toyota Vitz car model 2004, Suzuki Swift car, Model 2008, Toyota Fielder car, Model 2002, Toyota Land Cruiser V8, Model 2000, Suzuki Swift car, Model 2006, Toyota Fielder, Model 2000, Toyota Vitzs, Model 2004 and 2005, Toyota Hiace van, Model 2009, Toyota Hilux van, Model 2003, Heavy Duty generator, LED TV 10 Nos and foreign origin cigarettes. The Regional OfUice Faisalabad Intelligence has also successfully auctioned off a vehicle including Toyota Corolla car No: AAM-350
Quetta, F/O cigarettes, tiles and other articles worth Rs1.7million during the month of December. Effective anti-smuggling activities of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan resulted in the sudden jump of additional revenue through auction. Auctioneer Rana Muhammad Akram carried out the auction under the supervision of Director Intelligence, Ch Muhammad Akram. Intelligence OfUicer Mansoor Nasir directly executed the process of auction in a transparent manner. All the vehicles and items were sold on offers which were more than the re-
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served prices. A few lots, comprising of LED, foreign origin cloths and other miscellaneous goods, were not auctioned due to lesser bids. These items would be sold in the next auction. Director Akram said the Directorate Multan and Range OfUice Faisalabad have also met its revenue through duties and taxes of Rs3.6million and this consistent increase in revenue was made possible only because of the initiatives taken by the department. He showed his conUidence for collecting more revenue in the coming days besides frustrating the smuggling drastically.