Oct 29 layout 1

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pAkIStAN’S FIrSt INDepth NewSpAper oN cuStoMS

Daily

Vol 1 Issue No. 218

Karachi, Thu October 29, 2015

ISLAMABAD

M FAIZAN

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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Tariq Bajwa has said that the government has started its efforts to become member of the Trans-

parency International. Tariq Bajwa further said that Pakistan will become a member of the said organization till July 2017. Stating its working strategies, he said,that after becoming the member of Transparency International, the FBR can exchange details of accounts for the member country.

Price Rs. 14.00

He said that Switzerland, the United States, UK, Germany, France and many other European countries can access the details of accounts as per treaty except UAE. Tariq Bajwa said that the FBR authorities are making their efforts to get Transparency International membership but for this FBR has to do a lot of work.

Customs Intelligence Islamabad seizes Rs23.3m smuggled goods

FBR in process to induct 150 preventive officers: Collector Tariq Huda

PIA offers free transportation of relief goods

Hyderabad ASO seizes smuggled cumin seeds worth Rs 4.5m

ICCI shows concerns over 25 percent dip in exports

DG Customs Intelligence Rawalpindi seized Rs 32.3m of smuggled goods | See pAge 02 |

The FBR has been in process to induct at least 150 preventive oďŹƒcers for Pakistan | See pAge 03 |

In view of the devastating earthquake that shook the country on Monday | See pAge 04 |

ASO Hyderabad has confiscated 15,000 kilogram of foreign origin smuggled cumin | See pAge 12 |

The ICCI has shown great concerns over 25pc fall in exports to European countries | See pAge 09 |

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Customs Court send alleged tax evader on physical remand Thursday, October 29, 2015

National

LAHORE: Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has sent a suspect of income tax evasion case of three days physical remand.

According to the details, accused Fazal Hussain was allegedly involved in evasion sales tax and income tax. Federal Board of Revenue intelligence dig out that Fazal made huge bank transactions but he never paid a single penny to the national kitty.

After conďŹ rmation of the sources of his income and his bank transactions, the team of Inland Revenue, Lahore arrested him. Fazal Hussain was allegedly involved in tax evasion to the tune of Rs 7.5 million.

customs Intelligence Islamabad seizes rs23.3m smuggled goods

pcA detects rs845,002 taxes/duties evasion by Zong

ISLAMABAD

KARACHI

AFtAB chANNA

ShAhID MINhAS

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irectorate General Customs Intelligence and Investigation Rawalpindi seized Rs 32.3 million of smuggled goods during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2015-16.

According to details, Directorate General Customs Intelligence and Investigation Rawalpindi seized Rs32.3 million of smuggled goods having duty taxes of Rs8.6million in anti-smuggling drive during the first three months of the current FY in Rawalpindi. Rs4.5 million worth of 9,872 kgs smuggled cloth and Rs 0.3 million of electronic goods were also seized by the directorate.

While Directorate General Customs Intelligence and Investigation Rawalpindi seized Rs0.2 million worth of 816kgs smuggled tea, 390 litres of smuggled Mobil oil worth Rs 75,190 and Rs 17,167 of 136 cartons of smuggled crockery, 300 dandas of smuggled cigarettes worth Rs 61,200 and Rs 0.5 million of smuggled auto parts and tyres while Rs0.5 million of misc goods were also seized during the anti-smuggling drives in the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

Moreover, Directorate General Customs Intelligence and Investigation Rawalpindi impounded 11

he Customs’ Directorate of Post Clearance Audit-Karachi has detected Rs 845,002 evasion of taxes/duties by M/s CMPAK (Zong) by mis-declaration of goods. According to details, the PCA-Karachi Directorate, during scrutiny of import data of CMPAK (Zong) T F Complex Mauve Area G9/4 Islamabad, observed that they imported antenna RFS 15 GHZ single polar integrated antenna with standard accessories and cleared the same from MCC Appraisement East through their clearing agent M/s SASPAK Cargo Pvt Ltd by misdeclaring goods under PCT 8517.6990 attracting customs duty at 10 percent.

Whereas, the goods are correctly classifiable under PCT heading 8517.6290 chargeable to customs duty at 20 percent. Thus, M/s CMPAK (Zong) by mis-declaration of classification has evaded/short paid customs duty of Rs 667,459, sales tax Rs 113,468, additional sales tax 20,024 and income tax Rs 44,052. Therefore, M/s CMPAK has been directed to pay the above mentioned short paid amount of duty/taxes within 10 days.

offending vehicles worth Rs18.9 million and Rs 6.9 million of 5 nonduty paid vehicles were also seized during the same period.

Meanwhile the Directorate General Customs Intelligence and Investigation Rawalpindi registered 18 cases against the smugglers and

arrested 2 smugglers while 2 FIR were also lodged against them and forwarded the case for further investigation.

Customs Court reserves verdict in Rs 35 billion gold smuggling scam KARACHI

MuhAMMAD YouSAF www.customsbulletin.com

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he Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has reserved its verdict on bail pleas of two suspects in Rs 35 billion gold smuggling scam.

Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi reserved the verdict after hearing ar-

guments from defence and prosecution sides and set November 6 for pronouncement of the verdict.

Applicant Muhammad Zubair and Wajahat Minhas moved the court, seeking their release on bail.

According to the prosecution, the FIA Corporate Crime Circle had registered an FIR under Section 156(1)(8), 32/32-A punishable under Section 156(1)(14) of Customs Act 1969. An inquiry conducted by FIA established that accused Muhammad Shakeel, the deputy di-

rector of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Karachi, registered the Qirms M/S Rayyan Collection, M/S Atta Casting, M/S Ather Jewellers and M/S Al Huda Bangles as exporters under Section 3 of the SRO 266(1)2001 dated May 7, 2001, to export gold, silver and platinum jewellery and precious stones without fulQilling legal requirements.

The alleged gold traders exported 23 karat gold jewellery worth Rs 35 billion to the UAE during the period between 2011 and

2012 on fake E-forms as no foreign proceeds returned to the country as an outcome of the gold export.

Muhammad Shakeel, Abdul Qadir Akmal Aziz and other accused have already been released on bail.

Meanwhile, The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday rejected the bail plea of a suspect who is involved in tax evasion of millions of rupees.

A single bench comprising Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi dismissed the bail application Qiled by Owais, associated with M/s RafQia Interna-

tional, after hearing arguments from prosecution and defence sides.

According to the prosecution, Intelligence and Investigation Department of Inland Revenue, Karachi had found that bogus textiles companies were misusing the SRO 1125(I)/2011 to avail reduced sales tax facility by supplying goods to non-zero rated sector or unregistered persons. The tax authorities registered an FIR against M/s Asian Textiles for misusing the SRO and evading millions of rupees in tax.

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FBR may increase 5pc sales tax on petroleum products from Nov 1 ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is facing a shortfall of revenue collections during the current month.As per details, viewing shortfall in revenue collections, the FBR has decided to increase sales tax on petroleum products. According to the data, FBR is charging 50 percent sales tax on petroleum products which is already highest sales tax on petroleum products. According to the sources, FBR may increase five percent sales tax on petroleum products. While on the other hand, it is also expected that last date for submission of tax returns will be extended which may have an impact on low recovery of taxes during the current month.

customs tribunal chairman due in Islamabad on November 4 ISLAMABAD

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ustoms Appellate Tribunal (CAT) Chairman Ghulam Murtaza Bhatti is due to reach Islamabad on November 4 to resume hearing of cases at the tribunal headquarters.

The chairman had postponed official visit to Islamabad owing to hearing of important cases in Lahore. According to the new schedule, Ghulam Murtaza Bhatti will stay in Islamabad for a couple of days as he had not heard any case after October 8. Chairman Ghulam Murtaza Bhatti to hear 67 enlisted cases starting from November 4, it is learnt. According to CAT registrar office, that chairman will hear a majority of cases.

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Lhc bars NAB from taking action against two textile mills LAHORE

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ahore High Court (LHC) restrained National Accountability Bureau (NAB) from further action in Rs 1.75 billion bank loan cases against directors of two textile mills, besides sending case to full bench for further hearings.

As per details, under the supervision of Justice Mehmood Maqbool Bajwa, two-member bench heard the case of Jia Textile Mills and Arzu Textile Mills in which Amjed Majeed, Azher Majeed and directors have been nominated. The counsel for mill owners stated before the court that mills’ owners have dispute regarding the mark up rate on the loan amounting to Rs 1.75 billion and the case is in court for hearing.

He added that NAB should be stopped from action against his clients till the decision of the case.

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Thursday October 29, 2015

National

FBr in process to induct 150 preventive officers: collector tariq huda KARACHI

AFtAB chANNA

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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been in process to induct at least 150 preventive officers for Pakistan Customs so as to overcome shortage of staff and further improve the overall performance particularly in containing ‘smuggling’, stated Collector Model Customs Collectorate Preventive, Syed Tariq Huda.

In an exclusive interview with Customs Today, the collector said that the FBR had received a number of applications for the advertisement ran in local dailies for job opportunities. The written test for the posts would be filled by strict testing system to be conducted by the National Testing Services NTS, he added.

Besides, the Chairman FBR Tariq Bajwa had approved Rs 120 million for the Pakistan Customs for purchase of speed boats equipped with latest weapons to contain the menace of smuggling.

At presently, the senior preventive officers (SPOs) and preventive officers (POs) are above 50 years of age however the field work needs to be done by the young officers.

But despite all this, the present staff is doing brilliant job in containing smuggling, Tariq Huda said.

It’s been so long that there was not a single recruitment made in

the Pakistan Customs in lower grades for the last 21 years, the collector said, adding that appointments would be made purely on merit and through transparent manner.

Presently, the Pakistan Customs is facing dearth of staff and a large number of senior officials are retiring on attaining sixty years of age. And almost whole employees would stand retire by the end of year 2017, he concluded.

chairman FBr tariq Bajwa had approved rs 120 million for the pakistan customs for purchase of speed boats equipped with latest weapons to contain the menace of smuggling.

commissioner Imran hayee khan visits FccI FAISALABAD

NAeeM SheIkh

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ommissioner Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) Imran Hayee Khan has said that Notices issued by Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) to already registered institutions with FBR would be withdrawn; however action

against unregistered persons will continue as per law.

He was addressing a meeting of business community in Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) here today. Chaudhary Muhammad Nawaz President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) presided the meeting. Asad Aziz, additional Commissioner PRA Faisalabad was also present in the meeting.

Commissioner PRA said that sales tax on services was earlier

collected by FBR but after 18th amendment its recovery was devolved to the provinces and as a result Punjab Revenue Authority was constituted in 2012.

He contradicted the apprehensions that PRA was imposing any new tax. He said that only collecting agency has been changed. He also rejected the apprehension of double taxation and said that as PRA was in its nestling stage there are some ambiguities and misconceptions.

Meanwhile, The Model Customs Collectorate preventive (MCC) Anti-Smuggling has seized 1,90,000 liters Iranian diesel during the period from July to October 15 in different raids.

According to the sources, the Customs has confiscated 55,000 liters of Iranian diesel during the same period last year.

Customs also raided 22 illegal petrol pumps from July to October, sources added.

ASO sizes smuggled cloth, arrests two suspects in Sialkot nti Smuggling Organization (ASO) has seized smuggled cloth in Sialkot. The market value of seized cloth is Rs 500,000.

Sources told Customs Today that the ASO team received a credible information regarding smuggling of the cloth and raided at Mall-V and arrested two accused.—CB Report

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SECP considering consolidation of insurance rules Thursday, October 29, 2015

Business

ISLAMABAD - The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has decided to issue a consolidated set of insurance rules for the effective regulation of the insurance sector in Pakistan.

In this context, the SECP has formulated draft Insurance Rules, 2015 which will replace the previously issued two different set of insurance rules after the due approval process and accommodating the stakeholders’ consultations.

Earlier the Insurance Industry Reforms Committee Report 2014 also recommended consolidating the existing two set of rules which were creating ambiguity.

kSe adds 218pts to close at 34061 KARACHI

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he Karachi stocks Wednesday maintained the upward trend of early trading and gained 217.59 to close at 34061.42 points.

The stock market recorded the highest trading level of 34111.50 points and lowest level of 33843.83 points. Total volume traded in the market was 163,809,610 shares with 358 total traded companies out of which 184 were up 154 were down and 20 were unchanged.

Commercial banks was the top

pIA offers free transportation of relief goods RAWALPINDI

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n view of the devastating earthquake that shook the country on Monday, Pakistan International Airline (PIA) has offered free transportation of relief goods from domestic and international destinations if the federal government and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) demand it.

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traded sector with total traded volume of 20,320,800 shares. It was

followed by INV. BANKS / INV. COS. / SECURITIES COS. with a total

traded volume of 15,660,500 shares.

The three top traded companies were Jah.Sidd. Co. with a volume of 11,794,000 and price per share of 21.87 (0.70), Byco Petroleum with a volume 11,284,500 of price per share of 26.31 (0.38), JS Bank Ltd with a volume 6,784,500 of price per share of 8.87 (0.98).

The top three advancers were Bata (Pak) with price per share 3220.00 (139.30), Colgate PalmoXD with price per share of 1466.83 (69.84) and Sapphire FiberXD per share of 819.98 (35.03).

The top three decliners were Nestle Pak SPOT with price per share of 9225.25 (473.08), Unilever Foods with price per share of 7120.00 (370.00) and Island Textile share of 792.07 (41.69).

traders asked to participate in global trade fairs LAHORE

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akistani entrepreneurs should ensure their participation in the international trade fairs & exhibitions like 24th Turkey World Trade Bridge 2015 to get awareness about the day-by-day changing global trends. It would not only enable them to expand their own businesses but would also strengthen the Pakistan’s external trade.

This was upshot of the speeches

delivered at a seminar on ”24th Turkey – World Trade Bridge 2015” jointly organized by the LCCI and Pak Turk Businessmen Association here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Tuesday.

The LCCI President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said that Pakistani businessmen should avail all available opportunities to the maximum. He said that Turkey is not only a gateway to Europe but also one of the fastest growing economies therefore it offers a lot to Pakistani businessmen interested to enter EU market.

“It would increase Pakistani business community liaison with their global counterparts besides giving them an access to unexplored and untapped business destinations of the world”, Sheikh Muhammad Arshad added.

The LCCI president said that it goes without saying that for the members of Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, this exhibition can provide great opportunity to interact with Turkish businessmen. The location of the Trade Bridge 2015 has signiQicant value in terms of being so near to Europe.

cotton import from India slapped with 10% import duty KARACHI

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alue-added textile sector on Monday called the 10 percent regulatory duty slapped on cotton yarn import from India as its death warrant, demanding of the government to withdraw it.

Chairmen of all value-added textile associations, in a joint meeting at the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association, opposed the duty, which they said will increase their cost of doing business. The federal government imposed the regulatory duty on yarn import from India on Saturday last week after the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) announced a countrywide strike to close its 400 member spinning mills. The meeting said that the government’s decisions, except the reduction in long-term financing facility and export refinancing rates, only supported the spinning sector. The duty decision will jack up the cost of goods produced by the value- added textile sector.

It was noted, in the meeting that the biggest crisis is in the valueadded sector, which exports 80 percent of total textile exports in monetary terms.

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SNgpL, SSgc rack up rs46.37b line losses in 2014-15 ISLAMABAD

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he Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) are running on heavy line losses, as during the Qinancial year 2014/15 both the public sector companies have racked up combined line losses to the tune of Rs46.37 billion.

Senior ofQicials of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) informed the sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum on Tuesday that during the FY 2014/15, the line losses of SNGPL were 11.5 percent and SSGC were 15 percent. “The price of one percent line losses is about Rs1.75 billion and the company [SNGPL] is only charging 4.5 percent of total line losses from the consumers and is paying the rest from its own

proQit,” SNGPL ofQicials informed the meeting. The company is accumulating losses due to the line losses, ofQicials said.

The meeting, which was chaired

by Convener of the Committee Senator Nisar Muhammad Khan, discussed the issues of Unaccounted for Gas (UFG), gas theft in district Karak of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and new gas connections. Rejecting the cross subsidyRejecting the cross subsidy the Convener of the com-

mittee Nisar Muhammad said that it is incompatible and total injustice to the consumers. He asked OGRA not to put the burden of gas leakages and UFG on the consumers. He also criticised the company policy for charging urgent fee of Rs30000 for the gas connection and said that this is injustice to the poor consumers because anyone who cannot afford to pay the urgent fee has to wait for three to four years. “From where a poor villager will bring

Rs30000,” he questioned and asked the companies to change this rules.

Regarding the illegal connection in Karak, he said that no one is allowed to take law in his or her hands and receive a facility without permission. He asked the SNGPL to take tough action against the industrial and commercial users involved in gas theft. “Besides, FIA, you need to involve NAB to take action against the industrial and commercial illegal users of gas,” Nisar Muhammad said.

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he Customs’ Directorate of Post Clearance Audit-Karachi has detected evasion of taxes/duties to the tune of Rs 25 million by M/s Pakistan International Airlines by misusing SRO 575(I)/2006.

According to details, the PCA-Karachi Directorate, during scrutiny of import data noticed that M/s PIA Corporation is entitled to avail facility under S.No 29 of SRO 575 (I)/2006 dated 5.6.2006.

The exemption is available to S.No 29 that includes aircraft spares parts, tyres, navigational equipment, accessories for maintenance and operations of aircraft, chemicals, lubricants and paints, air tickets, aircraft carpet, aircraft fabric, skydrol (brake Qluid), laminated sheet, aluminum alloy sheets, aluminum alloy extrusions, aircraft seats, tools, test equipment, lift jackets, spares of TGS vehicle, meals trolley, ball hand seal, standard units, exterior washing liquid, air head set electronics, air head set pneumatic and sealants.

While on examination, it transpired that

Thursday, October 29, 2015

thermal paper boarding cards and airway bills are not entitled to the beneQit of SRO 575(I)/2006. However, in disregard to the above M/s PIA has not only claimed facility under S No 29 of SRO 575(I)/2006 in 42 GDs but has cleared the goods under wrong PCT 4821.9000 which is for paper and paper boards labels not printed.

The imported thermal boarding passes airway bills and tags are surely printed hence the same are correctly classiQiable under PCT 4821.1090 at customs duty at 25 percent.

Besides, the value is also under stated in majority cases. The value of goods as per statement if calculated at the assessed rate are Rs 60,842,537 and the evaded customs duties come to Rs 15,210,634 and differential sales tax Rs 5,904,121 and differential income tax Rs 2,594,490 and special federal excise duty Rs 608,425. The total evaded amount at the assessed rate comes to Rs 24,317,670.

The PCA directorate has instructed M/s PIA to pay the evaded amount of Rs 24,317,670 immediately.

Meanwhile, Customs Directorate of Post Clearance Audit-Karachi has detected

massive evasion of taxes/duties to the tune of Rs 2.1444 million by M/s Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited through mis-declaration.

According to details, the PCA-Karachi Directorate, during scrutiny of import data of Pakistan Telecommunication Limited Headquarters G-8/4 Islamabad, observed that they imported dual polarization antenna with standard accessories and cleared the same from MCC Port Qasim through their clearing agent M/s Ryan Agencies Private Limited by mis-declaring the goods under PCT 8517.6990 attracting customs duty at 10 percent.

Whereas, the goods are correctly classiQiable under PCT heading 8517.6290 chargeable to customs duty at 20 percent. Thus, Pakistan Telecommunication Company by mis-declaration of classiQication evaded/short paid customs duty Rs 1,736,963, sales tax Rs 295,284 and income tax Rs 111,773 totaling Rs 2,144,020.

Therefore, the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited has been requested to pay the above mentioned short paid amount of duty/taxes within 10 days.

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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

Inviting uS investors

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rime Minister Nawaz Sharif has invited US entrepreneurs to invest in Pakistan and take benefits of his government’s liberal policies which provide lucrative incentives to the foreign investors. According to him, three factors make Pakistan the most attractive investment destination all over the world as it offers perfect land, ideal geographical location and highly skilled and educated workforce. Addressing a function organized by the United States-Pakistan Business Council, the prime minister said that Pakistan has introduced one of the most attractive investment regimes in the world, which allows the foreign investors to repatriate 100 percent profits as well as a facility to convert local currency into the foreign exchange.

As a matter of fact, the bumpy road of relations between Pakistan and the United States has seen many ups and downs for the last several decades.

Despite the fact that most of the time the relations remained under the spell of a trust deficit, Pakistan has rendered tremendous sacrifices in the so-called war on terror. Thousands of people have been killed and the losses incurred by the country in terms of business, trade and investment were to the tune of billions of dollars. Now the prime minister is again visiting the United States and offering numerous investment opportunities to the US entrepreneurs in Pakistan’s energy, consumer goods, food and agriculture, housing and Infrastructure sectors. The economic ties are the base to strengthen political ties and it can be made possible only when trade between the two countries is enhanced and Pakistani products are given access to the US markets. After the army campaign against terrorists, the security situation in the country has been improved as the government is taking on all hues of terrorists. The prime minister also mentioned that the current year witnessed the lowest number of terrorist attacks since 2007 and positive results of the army operation are visible.

The army is already working on a comprehensive strategy, involving targeted military operations against terrorists.

Pakistan has now acquired a better position in the world business indexes due to positive assessments of the international rating agencies about the country’s economy. The per capita income of the country has increased by 12 percent, fiscal deficit has been lowered, revenue collections are increased, foreign exchanges reserves have risen above $20 billion and inflation is at the lowest ebb. A strong middle class is emerging in Pakistan, giving impetus to the sale of consumer goods and auto sale. The big task before the prime minster is to convince the US government and private investors to appreciate current situation in Pakistan.

Low tax-to-gDp ratio A

LAHORE

Dr AFtAB AFZAL

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tussle between the government and the business community is going on on the issue of withholding tax on bank transactions. The problem is not in a decision but in the method of its implementation. Despite having all the resources under its control such as policymakers, technocrats and more precisely a skilled manpower, the government often opts for “royal” decrees to ensure implementation of its policies. There are no two opinions in the fact that the taxto-GDP ratio in Pakistan is the lowest in the region. However, achieving the desired goals by is-

suing decrees is not an option.

You cannot implement a decision across the board without going through its pros and cons.

According to an ofQicial of the National Savings Scheme, the government decision to deduct withholding tax on saving schemes is implemented, but the decision itself is unfortunate. The small saving schemes are speciQically designed for small investors, including pensioners, which have to be tax-free income, but no one in parliament opposed the Qinance bill envisaging the withholding tax.

The small investors have no voice anywhere and they have to bear the brunt of Qlawed government policies silently. The governmentsponsored saving schemes are the only option for the small investors

as thousands of people have been robbed of their life-long savings in Qinancial scams. But taxing the pensioners and widows is not justiQiable from any angle. What the government has to do is to revise the operating manuals of its departments. The tax to GDP ratio is low, but it needs a mechanism to get the desired results. According to the Finance Ministry, the tax to Gross ratio has increased to 15.4 percent in 2014-15 from 8.13 during the PPP regime. The government has imposed Gas Infrastructure Development Cess, Natural Gas Development Surcharge and Petroleum Levy and had earned Rs 274 billion last year which counted 8.7 percent of the total revenue of Rs 3.129 trillion. The government has envisaged Rs 310

billion revenue in the current Qiscal year which is 9 percent of the total projected revenued for the year.

The current Qinancial situation of the country indicates that the government is heavily relying on the revenue generated through withholding tax. According to the news reports, around 70 percent of all direct tax collections is made through withholding tax, increasing the direct tax collections from Rs 779 billion in 2012-13 to Rs 1.1 trillion in 2014-15.

The problem is that the government only wants to Qix those who are already in the tax net or have bank accounts. It never happens in the world that a decision is implemented without giving a consideration to exceptions which are always there as a reality.

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Scottish businessmen show interest in import of sports goods from Sialkot SIALKOT: The Scotland-based sports goods importers showed keen interest in Sialkot-made sports goods during their visit to several leading sports goods manufacturing units. Ms Annie Howie led the delegation.

The Scotland importers also witnessed the production of sports goods and appreciated the craftsmanship of the workers.

They also showed keen interest in the import of Sialkot-made sports goods directly from Sialkot instead of purchasing these sports goods from the other countries on higher prices.

Delegation leader Ms. Annie Howie also visited Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). She also discussed in details the matters of mutual interests with SCCI President Maj (r) Mansur Ahmed. She highly hailed the unique export culture of Sialkot. SCCI RDO Ms Atqa Arshad was also present on the occasion.

BMg, kccI express grief, sorrow over loss of lives caused by earthquake he leadership of Businessmen Group and office bearers of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) have expressed deep grief and sorrow over colossal loss of lives caused by an extremely horrifying and lethal earthquake of 8.1 magnitude which terribly struck Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces in Pakistan on Monday afternoon, besides hitting Afghanistan’s sparsely populated Badakhshan province. In a statement issued, Chairman Businessmen Group and Former President KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli, Vice Chairmen BMG Tahir Khaliq, Zubair Motiwala, Haroon Farooki and Anjum Nisar, President KCCI Younus Muhammad Bashir, Senior Vice President KCCI Zia Ahmed Khan and Vice President KCCI Muhammad Naeem Sharif noted that more than 270 people have fallen prey to this devastating earthquake so far and thousands have been injured whereas more than 2,000 houses were also damaged in various cities and villages in Pakistan, particularly those situated in KPK province.

They feared that the losses caused by worst-ever earthquake in the history of Pakistan may rise further on completion of rescue operation and the evaluation being carried out by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). They said that our brother and sisters, particularly those inhabiting in far-flung and impoverished areas of the country, should not be left alone in this hour of grief and need. It is the duty of everyone to help and support the affectees during the most difficult time of their lives. BMG leadership and KCCI Office Bearers, while appreciating the quick response of Pakistani government and the armed forces towards this tragic incident , said that the government of Pakistan and the military forces were doing a fine job by promptly undertaking rescue operation and immediately dispatching relief goods and medical teams to the quake-hit areas of Pakistan.—CB Report

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Thursday October 29, 2015

Chambers

IccI shows concerns over 25 percent dip in exports T

ISLAMABAD

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he Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has shown great concerns over 25 percent fall in exports to European countries during the Qirst eight months of 2015 as compared to a year ago and called upon the government to look into the causes of falling exports seriously as this has happened despite the grant of GSP Plus status to Pakistan by the EU. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President, ICCI said that UK and Germany were major trading partners of Pakistan in EU, however, during January to August 2015, our exports have dipped by 26 percent to UK and 22.4 percent to Germany, which should be a cause of concerns for the policymakers. He said our exports were falling at a time when our regional competitors were increasing their share in the global export market.

He said despite tall claims by the government to push up exports, our country has not done well in terms of exports performance, which was worrisome. He said Pakistan’s market share in global exports has stag-

nated at a negligible 0.14 percent for the last four decades which shows that successive governments have not taken required supportive measures to strengthen this important sector of the economy. He said between 2000 and 2015, Pakistan’s exports increased around two & a half times while during the same period, India’s exports have grown over seven-fold and China’s nine-

fold. This dismal performance of our country demands that government should pay priority attention to export sector and take urgent remedial measures to turn around the situation. Atif Ikram Sheikh identiQied high cost of doing business due to hike in energy prices, high input costs, energy crisis, unprecedented level of taxation and lack of research & development and security chal-

turkey supports pakistani businessmen

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LAHORE

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akistani entrepreneurs should ensure their participation in the international trade fairs and exhibitions like 24th Turkey World Trade Bridge 2015 to get awareness about the day-by-day changing global trends. It would not only enable them to expand their own businesses but would also strengthen the Pakistan’s external trade.

This was upshot of the speeches delivered at a seminar on ”24th Turkey – World Trade Bridge 2015” jointly organized by the LCCI and Pak Turk Businessmen Association here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Tuesday.

The LCCI President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad, Director Pak Turk Businessmen Association

(PTBA) Mehmet Kirtas, Secretary General PTBA Aslam Bhatti and former LCCI President Bashir A. Baksh were the key speakers amongst the other experts. The LCCI President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said that Pakistani businessmen should avail all available opportunities to the maximum. He said that Turkey is not only a gateway to Europe but also one of the fastest growing economies therefore it offers a lot to Pakistani businessmen interested to enter EU market.

“It would increase Pakistani business community liaison with their global counterparts besides giving them an access to unexplored and untapped business destinations of the world”, Sheikh Muhammad Arshad added.

The LCCI president said that it goes without saying that for the members of Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, this exhibi-

tion can provide great opportunity to interact with Turkish businessmen. The location of the Trade Bridge 2015 has significant value in terms of being so near to Europe. It is expected that private sector representatives of many European countries will be participating in this event, so in a way, it can be a great venue to have direct interaction with them. He said that the LCCI members will be encouraged to consider this opportunity.

The LCCI President said that although the requirements to obtain visa for Turkey are not easy but the joint recommendation to Turkish Embassy in Islamabad by LCCI and Pak-Turk Businessmen Association (PTBA) would help address this to a great extent. Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said that both the importers and exporters should avail this opportunity to enhance their businesses.

lenges as the major factors that were impeding the growth of exports. He stressed that government should make serious efforts to address these key issues in order to improve the exports of the country.

He said during the last Qiscal year, the government had set the export target at $27 billion that was missed by a margin of $3.1 billion and apprehended that if the problems of exporters were not resolved on priority basis, the country could witness further fall in exports.

Meanwhile, The Belarusian ambassador Dr. Andrei M Ermolovich said that a large business delegation of Belarus will visit Pakistan in the Qirst week of November this year to attend the Pakistan Investment Conference and to explore investment opportunities in areas of interest. He said this during visit to Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He said Belarus was keen to strengthen trade relations with Pakistan as both countries possessed good potential to enhance bilateral cooperation in various Qields including automobile, agriculture, energy, IT, steel, furniture, household equipment, textiles, meat, dairy and others areas.

korean envoy assures to help earthquake victims

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orean envoy Dr Song Jong Hwan has expressed grief and sorrow over the devastated earthquake that rocked Pakistan, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and offered condolence over casualties and pledged support for the affected families through international organizations. The ambassador was on a visit to the provincial metropolis of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where he met honorary consul general of Korea and other businessmen. Commercial Attaché Park Bong Su and Eun Sang Jo also accompanied him during the visit. Other present on the occasion were Senator Ilyas Ahmed Bilour, Mohammad Sarwar Mohmand, ZulQiqar Ali Khan.—CB Report

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Russia to commence dairies imports from Iran Thursday October 29, 2015

World

TEHRAN: The Russian Agriculture Watchdog (RGW) has given the green light to dairies imports from Iran.

According to RGW official Alexi Alksyynkv, the decision comes after qualitative checks on Iranian dairy products have successfully met standard requirements.

However, to have dairy products practically imported to Russia, there is need for the signing of a bilateral agreement on safe transfer of dairy products to Russia.

In August 2014, Moscow imposed a ban on food imports from the United States, the European Union, Canada, Australia, and Norway in response to economic sanctions imposed on Russia over its alleged role in escalating the Ukrainian crisis.

Manchester branded cigarettes seized from port Botany www.customsbulletin.com

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WAT team ambush illegal cargo at night in open seas off coast of the Democratic People’s Republic.

The high-quality jade from the Republic of Buryatia was being exported to China without export documents. Its value was put at 50 million roubles or $800,000. Customs spokeswoman Tatiana Shichanina said: ‘We had a tip off that the smuggling was planned and decided to arrange ambush.’

The operation was led from customs vessel ‘Petr Matveev’. Officers seized ten sacks of jade. The crew were detained and taken to Vladivostok.

In China, this mineral is considered a ‘sacred rock’ and it can command a higher price than gold.—CB Report

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cuStoMS BuLLetIN report

S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) San Juan Field Operations ofQicers and import specialists seized a motor vehicle that was falsely declared as a utility terrain vehicle (UTV), not complying with federal motor vehicle safety standards.

“Intercepting illegal and unsafe imports is a top priority for CBP,” stated Edward Ryan, Assistant Director of Field Operations for Trade in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. “By partnering with our colleagues in the Department of Transportation, we are stopping illegally imported, unsafe vehicles from driving on our roadways and helping to keep the public safe.”

cuStoMS BuLLetIN report

Siberian customs seizes 3 tons of jade worth $800,000

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SAN JUAN www.customsbulletin.com

MANCHESTER

he shipment of 9 million ‘Manchester’ branded cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates, arrived at Port Botany in September.

Another four men have been charged after a multi-milliondollar alleged illicit drug and cigarette-smuggling operation, involving allegedly corrupt waterfront officials, was disrupted in Sydney last month.

The total arrests from the operation, which is comprised of ofQicers from Polaris Joint Waterfront Taskforce, the Australian Federal Police (AFP), NSW Police Force, Australian Border Force, and the Australian Crime Commission, now amounts to 17 people. Police said a 32-year-old US national was arrested at Mascot on Monday and was allegedly in possession of 78.5 kilograms of illegal tobacco, which was seized by ofQicers. While the man’s house was being searched by police, a 26-yearold Merrylands man turned up to pick up the tobacco and was also ar-

puerto rico customs seizes illegal, unsafe motor vehicle

rested. On Tuesday, a 22-year-old Bexley man was arrested in the Sydney CBD and a 22-year-old Arncliffe man was arrested at LilyQield.

Police searched the homes of the two men and found documentation, cash, a double-barrelled shotgun, a Remington 2600 riQle, ammunition and an unregistered air pistol.

All four men have been charged with the importation of illicit tobacco

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products and conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth.

Police said all four men were granted strict conditional bail and are due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court next month. The arrests come after 12 men and one woman, aged between 21 and 65, were charged last month with a range of offences, including smuggling and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

Australia Ten Network loses $312.2m en Network’s full year loss almost doubled to $312.2 million but the free-to-air broadcaster is predicting a big lift in advertising revenue thanks to its tie up with Foxtel’s MCN. Ten said its after tax losses for the 2015 Qinancial year widened by 85.5 per cent on 2014’s $168.3 million on the back of the previously announced writedown in the value of its

television licence. But television revenue increased 4.6 per cent to $629.3 million and chief executive Paul Anderson said Ten’s new advertising deal with Multi Channel Network, which took effect on September 1, was already bearing fruit. Gross advertising revenue is expected to increase by at least 10 per cent in the Qirst three months of 2015/16.—CB Report

CBP’s Trade Sensitive Team (TST) performed an intensive examination of merchandise manifested as a UTV, which revealed that its structure and components were not of a typical UTV. CBP consulted the inspection with the US Department of Transportation (DOT), whose findings indicated that the UTVs’ components and construction met the criteria to consider the item as a “motor vehicle.” To be lawfully imported, a vehicle must be originally manufactured to comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and bear a label certifying such compliance that is permanently affixed in a prescribed location by the vehicle’s original manufacturer in order to be imported free of restrictions into the United States.

uAe premier visits Dubai customs platform

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ice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has visited the Dubai Customs platform at the Dubai Smart Government pavilion at GITEX 2015.

He was received by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World Chairman, Chairman of Ports, Customs Corporation and Free Zone, and Ahmed Mahboob Musbeh, Director of Dubai Customs .

Sheikh Mohammed commended the level of smart services, applications, and technical and customs innovative initiatives, including the intelligent customs inspection system, amphibious ve-

hicle, customs submarine, Smart TV services and smart work platform.

While at the customs platform, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed about services, smart applications and innovative technological initiatives being showcased by the Dubai Customs Department.

He was also briefed on the amphibious vehicle, which is environment-friendly and has 10 sophisticated inspection gadgets, all solar-powered round-the-clock, and also equipped with the latest technologies in order to help the maritime customs inspectors to deal with ships that dock at the Dubai Creek.—CB Report

Iran to export 1m bpd gas from next month

O TEHRAN

cuStoMS BuLLetIN report www.customsbulletin.com

n Aug. 1, less than three weeks after Iran reached a deal on its nuclear program with six world powers, Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said his country could increase production of crude oil by 500,000 barrels per day within a

week of the lifting of the sanctions, and by 1 million barrels per day within a month. Now Hamid-Reza Araqi, the managing director of the National Iranian Gas Co., says it can increase daily gas exports from its current level of 80 million cubic meters per day to 300 million cubic meters per day. He didn’t say how quickly that could happen, however.

Araqi broached the subject with

reporters on Oct. 20 on the sidelines of the 2015 Congress and Exhibition of the Iranian Petroleum and Energy Club (IPEC) in Tehran. He also said an end to the sanctions would enable Iran to expand its energy initiatives, including extending the Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline, a gas conduit known as TAPI, to Iran.

TAPI now stretches from neighboring Turkmenistan and transits

Afghanistan and Pakistan and into India. Araqi said Pakistan is prepared to begin work on the Iran leg of the pipeline once sanctions are lifted, most likely in early 2016. The question is whether European countries will be among customers for Iranian gas. Araqi didn’t mention the continent, perhaps because some believe that serving it might not be cost-effective.

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GCC, Japan trade fall 41.7% to $50.36b in H1 of 2015 JEDDAH: The value of two-way trade between Japan and the GCC declined 41.7 percent to $50.36 billion during the first half of 2015, compared with $86.5 billion during the same period in 2014 due to decline in the price of mineral fuels and partly to the slide in the value of Japanese ten against US dollar. While mineral fuels constitute around 76 percent of the total trade between the two sides, crude oils alone constitute nearly 53 percent. When comparing the first half of 2015 with the same period in 2014, the average price of crude oils fell by nearly 50 percent in 2015 – from $110.57 to $57.63 per barrel. The value of Japan’s exports to the GCC dropped by nearly 8 percent to $11.05 billion from $12 billion.

union of Nigeria suspends strike, operations resume at ports ormal activities will today return to the nation’s ports as Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, MWUN, suspended its strike after two days. The union had last Thursday embarked on strike to protest, among others, nine months unpaid wages to over 3,000 tally clerks and onboard security men; midstream discharge of vessels in Lagos, Bonny, Rivers State, and other ports formation nationwide and using foreigners in violation of the law. Specifically, the union had acussed the management of Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, of conniving with shipping companies to undermine the nation’s economic interests by allowing midstream discharge without following laid down rules and regulations. MWUN had claimed that besides the nine months unpaid wages to over 3,000 tally clerks and onboard security men, NPA was also owing the workers over one year arrears of 10 percent increment.

Meanwhile, The major Mexican cargo port of Manzanillo was set to reopen, a port official said, after avoiding the worst of Hurricane Patricia, which slammed into the country’s Pacific coast but caused less damage than expected. The port of Lazaro Cardenas, south of where the storm hit, resumed operations for cargo ships on Saturday morning, a port official said, and the smaller port in the resort town of Puerto Vallarta reopened at midday, Mexico’s communications and transport ministry (SCT) said. Hurricane Patricia, which was at one point the biggest storm ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere, blasted Mexico’s Pacific coast on Friday evening, but weakened as it came ashore, sparing various highly populated areas and tourist centers from major damage. There haven’t been any reported deaths. —CB Report

Ports & Shipping

truckers on strike at LA and Long Beach ports

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group of truck drivers at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach went on strike Monday, but port ofQicials said the labor action had minimal impact on cargo operations.

The “unfair labor practice” strike includes drivers “misclassiQied as independent contractors” rather than employees by PaciQic 9 Transporta-

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tion and XPO Logistic, said Barb Maynard of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

“These drivers are on strike to protest unfair labor practices, including misclassiQication and retaliation, harassment, and intimidation for having Qiled claims for wage theft with the California Labor Commissioner’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement,” Maynard said.

Maynard said workers who are

“misclassiQied as independent contractors” are “robbed of basic workplace protections like the right to minimum wage, overtime pay, and a safe and healthful workplace.” Shipping terminals remained open despite the strike, port ofQicials said.

No more than 15 people picketed at the Port of Los Angeles, creating “little to no impact on port operations,” according to port spokesman Phillip SanQield said.—CB Report

HK’s exports down by 4.6%, imports fall 7.6% in Sept n September 2015, the values of Hong Kong’s total exports and imports of goods both recorded year-on-year decreases, at 4.6 percent and 7.6 percent respectively, the Census and Statistics Department announced Tuesday.

In September 2015, the value of total exports of goods (comprising

re-exports and domestic exports) decreased by 4.6 percent over a year earlier to 316.7 billion HK dollars (about 40.86 billion U.S. dollars), after a year-on-year decrease of 6.1 percent in August 2015.

Within this total, the value of reexports decreased by 4.5 percent to 313.2 billion HK dollars in Septem-

ber 2015, while the value of domestic exports decreased by 13.8 percent to 3.6 billion HK dollars.

Concurrently, the value of imports of goods decreased by 7.6 percent over a year earlier to 353.1 billion HK dollars in September 2015, after a year-on-year decrease of 7.4 percent in August 2015.—CB Report

Thursday October 29, 2015

Mexico’s main cargo ports reopen after hurricane patricia he major Mexican cargo port of Manzanillo was set to reopen, a port official said, after avoiding the worst of Hurricane Patricia, which slammed into the country’s Pacific coast but caused less damage than expected.

The port of Lazaro Cardenas, south of where the storm hit, resumed operations for cargo ships on Saturday morning, a port official said, and the smaller port in the resort town of Puerto Vallarta reopened at midday, Mexico’s communications and transport ministry (SCT) said.

Hurricane Patricia, which was at one point the biggest storm ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere, blasted Mexico’s Pacific coast on Friday evening, but weakened as it came ashore, sparing various highly populated areas and tourist centers from major damage. There haven’t been any reported deaths.

Meanwhile, Adani Ports hopes to replicate the success of its flagship Mundra Port, India’s biggest nongovernment cargo gateway, at its new container terminal project at Vizhinjam, a deep-water, green-field site that is designed to counter the growing dominance of Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port for Indian transshipment cargo.

Adani said it is looking to set up strategic partnerships with major ocean carriers in an attempt to make the Vizhinjam project more viable and attractive.—CB Report

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China’s Ningbo port to cooperation with Dubai

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BEIJING

cuStoMS BuLLetIN report www.customsbulletin.com

hina’s ningbo port is looking forward to have cooperation with Dubai as part of its business development, said Jiang Wei, secretary of the board of Ningbo Port. While talking on the sidelines of an Asian media trip to Ningbo Port, organised by China Daily, Jiang

said there are shipping lines with Dubai, but no business cooperation has been started yet.

“Dubai is emerging fast as one of the leading ports and Ningbo is eagerly waiting for developing business relations with Dubai. We hope that would happen soon,” he said.

Consisting of various port areas including Zhenhai, Beilun, Daxie, Chuanshan and Meishan, Ningbo Port has most-large and super-large

deep water berths in China, he added. One of the most ancient ports in China with more than 7,000 years of history, Ningbo Port’s history of opening up started 1,200 years ago with three vessels from Japan arriving at the port.

At present, the port already has business relations with over 600 ports across the world. In 2014, cargo throughput of Ningbo Port exceeded 526 million tonnes, which is

ranked third in mainland China and fourth in the world. Similarly, cargo throughput surpassed 18.7 million TEU which is third in mainland China and Qifth in the world.

Wang Haijuan, director of the Information OfQice of the Ningbo Municipal People’s Government, said the city has opened doors to innovators and entrepreneurs in an extensive stride to achieve its developmental goals.

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ANF Court awards six months jail term to Bosnian lady smuggler ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Narcotics Special Court has sentenced a Bosnian woman smuggler to six months imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 30,000 in a heroin smuggling case. According to details ANF team, arrested lady smuggler named Amer Muziek and recovered 700grams of heroin from her possession at Benazir International Airport Islamabad five months ago and registered a case of smuggling against her. Anti Narcotics Special Court Judge Chudhery Anwar Ahmed Khan heard the case.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

hyderabad ASo seizes smuggled cumin seeds worth rs 4.5 million HYDERABAD ASLAM ANJuM QureShI www.customsbulletin.com

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation Hyderabad has conQiscated 15,000 kilogram of foreign origin smuggled cumin seeds worth Rs 4.5 million. The seeds were smuggled from Quetta to Hyderabad. The ASO team received credible information through Model Customs Collectorate Hyderabad Collector Dr Ahmed Mujtaba Memon regarding the smuggling of cumin seed. The team under the supervision of Additional Collector Omer ShaQique conducted raid and intercepted two trucks bearing Registration No. TLU006 and TKY-223 respectively and recovered 516 bags Qilled with cumin seeds. The ASO ofQicials asked the both driver to produce any legal documents regarding the legal possession of the smuggled foreign origin cumin seen but they could not show any documents on which customs conQiscated the item under prevailing customs law. After making the seizure report, the ASO team deposited the conQiscated smuggled goods item in State Warehouse Hyderabad.

NAB chief chairs directors general moot, urges officials to work honestly PESHAWAR

NADIr khAN

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ational Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudry, chaired the annual Directors General Conference at the NAB Headquarters here. The conference was attended by NAB deputy chairman, rosecutor general accountability and all regional director generals.

In his opening remarks, Qamar

Zaman Chaudry said that NAB is an apex anti-corruption organization which was established to eradicate corruption from the country. Due to various reasons, NAB’s working got adversely affected during the previous years.

This also affected the working of the NAB staff. He said in this backdrop of dismay, the year 2014 was the year of re-invigoration of NAB. The present management has initiated the process of putting NAB back on track. He said that after a thorough and comprehensive analysis of defects and deQiciencies in the structure and operations of

the organization, a reform and restructuring program was put in place which has infused a new lease of life in the organization. He said that a character marked by fairness, objectivity, professionalism and transparency is critical to achieving efQiciency across different tiers of the organization.

He said that the measures taken by present management of NAB such as introduction of Combined Investigation Teams (CIT), review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), capacity building training and rationalization of workload has started showing re-

sults. An objective appraisal system – Partly QuantiQied Grading System – and the Internal Accountability Mechanism (IAM) have improved the quality of the output.

He said that the tempo and momentum generated in 2014 has been sustained into 2015 as well.

The stock-taking of pending cases resulted in identiQication of 1133 in the pending list spread over 12 years. The Qield formations were encouraged to set deadline for these cases for expeditious disposal on merits. Institutional supervision and support in complex

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cases was provided through High Level Committee (HLC).

The Chairman appreciated the Qield formation on having achieved more than 92 percent disposal of these cases. It was made possible through the dedicated and tireless efforts of the entire workforce at all levels for which they deserve unqualiQied appreciation. He said that moving with the tide of time, NAB has developed an indigenous Monitoring and Evaluation System (MES) which will help in institutionalizing the support and supervision at different levels of management.