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pAkIStAN’S FIrSt INDepth NewSpAper oN cuStoMS

Daily

Vol 1 Issue No. 231

Karachi, Wed November 11, 2015

ISLAMABAD

M FAIZAN

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he government has decided to extend deadline of withholding tax on banking transactions till November 15. Talking to Customs Today, Federal Board of Rev-

Price Rs. 14.00

enue (FBR) Senior Member Inland Revenue Shahid Hussain Asad said, “We are still holding negotiations with traders to resolve the issue.” He said that in case both the parties do not reach any agreement, the government will further extend the deadline. He said, “We are trying our best to reach an agreement with traders community until November 15.” He said that the government has already taken its approval from parliament. Shahid Hussain Asad said that no government will gain positive results in economy without introducing reforms in their tax system.

Customs Intelligence DG Imtiaz directs officials to perform duties honestly

Customs Exports collects Rs 4.41 million sales tax in Q1

Kissan Package: Economic uplift not possible sans boosting agri sector: CM

Multan Customs directs MDPT to shift export clearance on WeBOC

LCCI urges govt to launch tax reforms after consultation with traders

DGIntelligence,Imtiazhasdirectedthe officersandofficialstoperformtheirduties | See pAge 02 |

MCC-ExportsundersupervisionofDr SaifuddinJunejocollectedatleastRs4.41m. | See pAge 03 |

CM Shahbaz has said that the dream of economical development | See pAge 04 |

The Model of Customs Collectorate Multan has directed Multan Dry Port | See pAge 12 |

LCCI President Sheikh Arshad has urged the govet to introduce tax reforms | See pAge 09 |

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ANF foils bid to smuggle 1.4kg heroin to Dubai Wednesday, November 11, 2015

National

ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Norcotics Force (ANF) has foiled a bid to smuggle heroin to Dubai at Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad.

The ANF sources told Customs Today that ANF received information that an attempt is being made to smuggle heroin following which the ANF tightened security and recovered 1.4 kilogram of heroin from Shehbaz, a resident of Gujrat. The suspect was approaching the departure lounge to fly through PK-753.

Sources added that the ANF team has arrested the accused and registered a case of smuggling against him.

Intelligence Dg Imtiaz Ahmed directs officials to perform duties honestly

LAHORE

ISLAMABAD

MuhAMMAD NAwAZ

M FAIZAN

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he Lahore High Court (LHC) has granted temporary bail to former superintendents of Excise and Taxation (ET) Department Muhammad Iqbal till November 25 in sales tax fraud case. The LHC also seeks answer from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in this case. According to details, a two-member bench comprising Justice Mehmood Maqbool Bajwa and Justice Mirza Waqas heard the sales tax evasion case.

The council of appellant Adnan Shuja Butt argued that NAB has started an inquiry against Al Shamsher Engineering on the grounds that the company has imported 2,000 metric ton steel and has not paid Rs 180 million sales tax liability. He added that in the inquiry, NAB has jailed seven officers and pleaded that the appellants want to face the inquiry. The LHC accepted the temporary bail of the accused. After hearing the argument of council of appellant LHC accepted the temporary bail of the accused Muhammad Iqbal till 25 November and seeks the answer from the NAB. Court also order to accused for the submission of security of one lac.

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fter taking charge of Director General of Customs Intelligence and Intelligence, Imtiaz Ahmed Khan has directed the ofRicers and ofRicials to perform their duties honestly as corrupt elements will not be tolerated in the department.

He has also demanded the list of reputable ofRicers in the department. He would visit the directorates of Customs Intelligence in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar and other cities in order to review their performance and issue further directions. Khan has also urged the intelligence ofRicials to adopt effective strategies to contain the smuggling and illegal trade that was damaging the national economy and local markets.

He also directed them to keep an eye on smuggling through roads, besides developing coordination with other law enforcement agencies to discourage the smuggling in country. To curb smuggling, he also sought suggestions from ofRicials, while the approved recommendations will be implemented in the Rield, he added. He also motivated the ofRicers and ofRicials by saying that hard working and honesty keepers will be encouraged through rewards and by posting them at bet-

Lhc grants bail to former excise officials in sales tax case

ter places, while the action against corrupt elements will be taken after proper inquiry. Meanwhile, New Director-General Customs Intelligence and Investigations Imtiaz Ali Khan will assume the charge on 3rd November, 2015. The notiRication of his appointment was issued on 31st October, 2015. A government vehicle is

already dispatched to Lahore to bring new Director-General.

Sources told Customs Today that Imtiaz Ali Khan is well-reputed ofRicial of Pakistan Customs who is among one of most senior ofRicials of Pakistan Customs. After assuming the charge of his new post, he will be briefed about different cases

such as TCS, Smart Zone, Ayyan Ali money laundering case and other cases of important nature. A brieRing note is already prepared in this effect. It is pertinent to mention here that new Director General Intelligence and Investigation is very much a disciplined person, like his predecessor Lutfullah Virk.

Shc grants bail to suspect involved in rs 304m cargo pilferage case KARACHI

MuhAMMAD YouSAF www.customsbulletin.com

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has granted protective-bail to a suspect in a case pertaining to the pilferage of Lahore-bound cargo that contained goods worth Rs 304 million. A single bench of the SHC granted seven-day protective bail to

Muhammad Imran with surety bond of Rs 100,000. Applicant Imran, represented by Advocate Zain A Jatoi, moved the court submitting that the Customs Court had issued non-bailable warrants for his arrest after he was declared as absconding accused in the interim charge-sheet. He said that Imran was innocent and had nothing to do with the offence. The applicant requested the court to grant him bail so that he could surrender before the trial court concerned and face charges. According to the prose-

cution, Pakistan Customs’ Anti-Smuggling Organization raided a godown in the city’s Site area and seized a huge quantity of imported goods. The seized goods included 27,217 mobile phones of assorted brands, 1695 assorted tablets notepad, 46,979 pieces of contact lenses, 2,007 perfumes, 214 LED TVs, 10,060 kg pencil erasers, 73 washing machines, 122 pieces of DVD players, 182 dry irons, 750 Samsung mobile phone batteries, 15 refrigerators, 196000 feather blades 196,000, 172000 cotton stick.

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FBR to get access to bank accounts of tax evaders KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to get information about taxpayers from their bank accounts who are allegedly involved in tax evasion of Rs 6 billion, Customs Today has learnt.

According to details, the FBR has decided to get access to the accounts of tax evaders from all banks. Earlier, the Regional Tax Office–Two (RTO-II) had mentioned this issue a year before but nothing had been done. Now the FBR will ask permission from the banks to get access to the defaulters’ bank accounts.

The FBR will also write letters to banks in this regard, sources added.

FBr rejects ptI’s request seeking tax details of pM’s sons

Wednesday November 11, 2015

National

customs exports collects rs 4.41 million sales tax in Q1

ISLAMABAD

ShAhID MINhAS

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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has refused to provide taxrelated details of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s sons and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s son. According to the details, Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had sent a letter to the FBR seeking details of past 10 years tax returns filed by PM’s sons Hassan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz and Finance Minister’s son Ali Dar. PTI had moved the application under Article 19-A of the constitution. But FBR in its reply to the PTI has excused from sharing such information under Section 216 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 as it is the personal information of the taxpayers.

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Quetta customs seizes vehicles worth rs 40m in 15 days KARACHI

wAQAr AhMeD ANSArI www.customsbulletin.com

irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Quetta has seized 26 luxury vehicles worth Rs 40 million during last 15 days. Sources told Customs Today that Customs authorities also seized chassis of four vehicles. Customs authorities have sped up their efforts to curb smuggling in region after receiving strict directions from the Federal Board of Revenue.

Sources said that Customs Quetta formed different teams to check smuggled vehicles in Quetta. During ongoing campaign, Customs authorities seized four Land Crusiers, two Luxus, three Mark S, three BMW, and also arrested 6 accused persons. Customs authorities registered separate cases against these persons while further investigations are still in progress.

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KARACHI

AFtAB chANNA

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he Model Customs Collectorate-Exports under supervision of Dr Saifuddin Junejo collected at least Rs 4.41 million under the head of sales tax in the Rirst quarter i.e. July 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015. The revenue collection for the last year was Rs 2.97 million.

According to sources, the Federal Board of Revenue set a target of Rs 3.36 million.

The ofRicial sources told Customs Today that Chief Collector instructed the Collectors to motivate their staff in achieving the revenue target. Besides, efforts should be made to enhance the tax collection mechanism.

Meanwhile, Collector, Model Customs Collectorate MCC Exports Dr Saifuddin Junejo has issued an ofRice order, asking the clearing agents to produce a letter of proxy from license-holders to enter the customs premises.

“As is provide in section 208 of the Customs Act 1969 read with licensing rules vide SRO 450(I)/2001 dated 18.6.2001, any Custom House agent licensed under section 207 of the Customs Act 1969, appearing before a customs ofRicer, will be asked to produce a letter of authorization,” according to a letter available with Customs Today.

The order further says that an ofRicer may refuse to entertain an employee or representative unless an

authority letter duly signed by the licence-holder is produced.

“In order to ensure that a consignment is exported by the authorized person, it has been decided that entry into the premises of MCC Exports, Custom House Karachi or AC/DC ports shall only be allowed to the clearing agents or their authorized representatives having customs permit or smart cards issued by the association. Any unauthorized representative without having permit/

Dr Saifuddin Junejo collected at least rs 4.41 million under the head of sales tax in the first quarter i.e. July 1, 2015 to october 31, 2015. the revenue collection for the last year was rs 2.97 million.

Lahore ASo seizes bicycles, parts worth rs 10m LAHORE

M hAYAt

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has seized bicycles and parts worth Rs 10 million from a godown in Nila Gumbad which were smuggled in the name of transit trade.

According to details, the ASO on

information of Collector of Customs Mukarram Jah Ansari raided the godown and seized the illegally stored items. The ASO raiding team

was led by assistant collector of customs Dr Adnan and Customs ASO superintendent Mumtaz Ajmal Mian. Customs ofRicials said that the parts and bicycles were stamped with Afghan transit trade and were prohibited to be sold in Pakistani markets but the owner of the godown brought the stock illegally to dump the market with the illegal stock. The customs ofRicials said that an FIR has been lodged against the owner of the godown and further investigation are under way.

smart card shall not be allowed to enter the premises of the collectorate,” the Collector added. Moreover, in case of self-clearance, the exporters shall have to authorize any person to pursue his case in the collectorate headquarters and the respective ports ofRicers of AC/ DC by issuing and uploading in the system the prescribed authorization along with GD depicting CNIC and contact number at the time of Riling of the goods declaration in the WeBOC system.

Ihc disposes of petition filed by Ltu Division Bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday disposed of a petition filed by the Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU). The IHC Division Bench, comprising Justice Noor-ul-Haq N Qureshi and Justice Aamer Farooq heard the petition and disposed it of after hearing arguments from both sides. —CB Report

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USAID program aims to increase Agri exports to $34m Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Business

ISLAMABAD: The US Agency for International Development (USAID) agricultural programme, spreading over four years, has familiarized 27,000 farmers with modern techniques and helped Pakistan increase its agriculture exports by $34 million. This was announced at a ceremony held here Friday to showcase the success of this programme, which also created 14,000 jobs in Pakistan. The programme would end this month, said a statement of the US embassy. USAID’s Agribusiness Project worked with both small farmers and larger producers to increase productivity and quality while reaching new domestic and international markets.

kSe-100 index slumps by 378 pts amid rupee weaken KARACHI

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ith bearish trend on Tuesday Karachi Stock Exchange-100 index (KSE-100) lost 378.35 points to drop to 33958.12 points level as Pakistani rupee is depreciating against the US dollar and crossed Rs 106 level in open market.

The market recorded the highest trading level of 34359.05 points and

pakistan finalises 15-year, $16b LNg deal with Qatar

lowest level of 33945.46 points, with the total volume of 118,238,190 shares, having Rs 6,682,775,928 value.

Real Estate Investment and Services was the top traded sector with total traded volume of 28,139,500 (19.6%) shares. It was followed by chemicals with a total traded volume of 22,005,500 (15.3%).

The three top traded companies were Sui South Gas with a volume of 22,175,000 and price per share of 39.46, TRG Pak Limited with a volume 19,316,500 of price per share of 39.66 and Pace (Pak) Ltd.with a volume 12,710,500 of price per

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akistan has finalised a 15-year, $16b liquefied natural gas (LNG) deal with supplier Qatar and shipments are expected to begin next month, Pakistan Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said on Monday. The amount is 1.5 million tonnes per year, the minister told news agency Reuters on the sidelines of an Asian ministerial energy roundtable in the Qatari capital Doha.

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DOHA

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unjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that the dream of economical development and stability could never become true without the development of agriculture sector.

He said an early and amicable solution to the farmers and growers’ problems was the top priority of the

ISLAMABAD

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he Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has extended the last date of filing of Form-29 and annual audited accounts for all listed and other than listed companies.

The last date of filling of Form-A is also extended only for other than listed companies. The last date for filing of Form 29 for all companies has been extended to November 17, which was earlier falling on November 15. The Form 29 includes particulars of directors and officers including chief executive and auditors.

The decision has been taken in order to facilitate companies, which held their annual general meetings on October 30 and 31.

The last date of filing of Form-A (annual returns) for other than listed companies are extended to December 1st, 2015, earlier falling on November 29 and 30, 2015. For all companies, listed or other than listed, the last date for filling of annual audited accounts is extended to December 1, 2015, from earlier date of November 30, 2015. However, the last date of filing of Form A for listed companies remains December 15th, 2015 (Tuesday).

T share of 7.71. The top three advancers were Fauji Cement with price per share Rs 7.52 (0.13) and 26,847,500 shares; Telecard Limited

with price per share of Rs 2.77 (0.34) and 11,461,500 shares; and Jahangir Siddique Co. share of Rs 16.00 (0.31) and 8422500.

kissan package : economic uplift not possible sans boosting agri sector: cM

DOHA

Secp extends last date for filing annual returns

government, adding that the prosperity of Pakistan was closely linked with the prosperity of its farmers.

He said the Kisaan package was an unprecedented Rinancial support package to farmers in the country’s 68-year history, adding that the farmers and growers had been playing a backbone role in strengthening country’s agro-based economy. He said this while addressing the participants of the Kisaan Relief Package cheques distribution ceremony held at Narowal on Monday. Shahbaz said that the government was fully aware of the prolonged perturbing problems of the

farmers and growers and was making all out sincere and hectic efforts to resolve these problems amicably by giving maximum relief to them. He said that the Kissan Relief Package would also give a boost to the national agro based economy besides helping a lot to pull the farmers’ community out of the prevailing Rinancial crisis. Shahbaz narrated that despite all the negative propaganda of the political opponents, the PML-N government was successfully delivering and was moving on the right lines and directions towards the goal of national economical and political stability.

FBr may lose rs 17b if duty on steel imports not increased KARACHI

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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) may lose Rs 17 billion in tax collection in the current Riscal year of 2015/16 if the government doesn’t increase regulatory duty on steel imports.

The statements, issued on Monday by Pakistan Shipbreakers Association (PSBA) and Pakistan Steel

Re-rolling Mills Association (PSRMA), said the shipbreaking industry can pay only one billion rupees in taxes to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in the current Riscal year as against Rs12.6 billion in the last Riscal year.

The PSBA statement said the industry paid only Rs400 million in taxes to FBR in the quarter ended September 30, 2015.

“We are requesting the government to create a level-playing Rield

by increasing import duties and taxes on Rinished products,” said Shoaib Sultan, a member of PSBA. “We have created thousands of jobs and if prompt action will not be taken then the government will lose at least Rs11.6 billion from our industry alone.”

PSRMA said destruction of local industry through import of steel bar, angle, channel and girder beams (Rinished products) must be stopped. The association said the

government collects more than Rs30 billion revenues every year from the industry, which has a capacity to produce more than six million tons and is now shutting down.

“Regulatory duty on Rinished steel products must be increased to at least 30 percent and sales tax must be pushed up to 30 percent from 17 percent on imported Rinished steel products," it said in a statement. “Prices of international steel Rinished products have

crashed. All local steel sectors are feeling the pinch. In October, 20,000 tons of Rinished products arrived and if the trend persists then FBR can lose another Rs5.5 billion in revenue generation.”

The local manufacturers pay Rs22,000/ton on Rinished products to FBR, it said. “The quality of the imported products is a serious concern for our national infrastructure since a lot of the material coming in our country is substandard.”

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KARACHI

AFtAB chANNA www.customsbulletin.com

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he Model Customs Collectorates Preventive, Hyderabad, Quetta, Gwadar of Enforcement-South Region and Export (Port Qasim) under the supervision of Chief Collector Zahid Khokhar collected at least Rs 36306 million against the set target of Rs 38,206.99 million under the head of sales tax in the Rirst quarter i.e. July 1 to October 31, 2015. The collection in the same period last year stood at Rs 34290.20 million. According to statistics available with Customs Today, the MCCPreventive collected Rs 29,312.31 million in terms of sales tax against revenue target of Rs 32,474.91. The last year’s collection was Rs 29,121.64 million.

The MCC-Hyderabad collected an amount of Rs 2753.76 million sales tax against the set target of Rs 1818.87, however the revenue collection last year was Rs 1607 million.

The MCC Exports (Port Muhammad Bin Qasim) collected Rs 142.65 million against target of Rs 65.54. The revenue collection last year stood at Rs 58.09. Moreover, the MCC-Quetta collected Rs 2127.30 million against target of Rs 908.52 million while the last year’s collection remained at Rs 880.48 million. The MCC-Gwadar collected

an amount of Rs 1965.57 million against Rs 2935.79 million and revenue collection last year stood at Rs 2619.64 million.

The insiders told Customs Today that Chief Collector Zahid Khokhar has emphasized the collectorates to improve the performance in achieving revenue collection.

Meanwhile, the Model Customs Collectorates Preventive, Hyderabad, Quetta, Gwadar of Enforcement-South Region and Export (Port Qasim) have collected at least Rs 3209.06 million under the head of customs duty in October of the Riscal year 2015-16.

According to details available with Customs Today, the MCC-Preventive collected Rs 2374.22 million in terms of customs duty while Rs 373.38 million was collected on October 31. The MCC-Hyderabad collected an amount of Rs 290.05 million customs duty and Rs 11.92 million in just a single day i.e. October 31, 2015. The MCC Exports (Port Muhammad Bin Qasim) collected Rs 357.35 million and Rs 22.56 million on October 31, 2015. Moreover, the MCC-Quetta collected Rs 297.89 million in the whole month of October while Rs 54.95 million on October 31. The MCC-Gwadar collected an amount of Rs 247.04 million

while Rs 55.08 million on October 31, 20 The insiders told Customs Today that the r enue collection had been rema ably enhanced with efforts of C Collector-Enforcement(South) hid Khokhar who was couraging the official every stage.

d ctor Zahi u e l l o c f e i ch ent-So m e c r o f n ’s e khokhar cluding custom n region, i e, hyderabad v preventi wadar, has a nd g Quetta a t least rs 3,20 a collected nder the head million u uty in octo d customs

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Wednesday, November 11, 2015

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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

pakistan as promise land

p

akistan is a promise land for the businessmen and investors as it offers tremendous opportunities in every sector of life. Young, cheap and skilled labour, rail and road infrastructure and geographical location can be exploited to boost economic activities in the country. According to Atif Bajwa, the president of the Overseas Investors Chambers of Commerce and Industry, business, trade and investment opportunities are knocking the door of this country which need to be answered. At a reception organized by the Board of Investment, he said that the country has emerged as a survivor in the wake of challenges of the war on terrorism, political instability and natural disasters. He says that the country has been placed on the road of progress when many nations are facing recession. The world economy is struggling to gain momentum and to come out of the last financial crisis.

As a matter of fact, every country in the world is racing against time to attract foreign investment.

Businessmen want security of their life and property and tend to invest their money in a country where there is political stability, tax concessions and limited regulatory barriers.

Pakistan is a country of 200 million people 40 percent of which consists of young people. The country offers cheap and skilled labour force and business potentials for the local and foreign investors. Due to its geographical location, the country is a gateway not only for the Central Asian States and China, but also for most of the SAARC countries. The geographical location also makes Pakistan an attractive destination for Arab and European investors. OICCI consists of 195 leading investors from 35 countries with representation in 14 business sectors. According to a survey, the Business Confidence Index of the country rose from positive 1 percent in October 2014 to positive 18 percent in March this year.

The government has to take urgent steps to raise the country’s position in ease of doing business index in which it has recently dropped 10 points.

Besides, it has to ensure smooth electricity supply, introduce structural reforms in the tax collection system and reduce electricity, oil and gas tariffs.

The national currency is losing its strength which needs to be supported while the foreign investors need respect and regard from the government functionaries. No doubt the nation is resilient and survived every big shock, but it has to keep its house in order to convince the world community that Pakistan is a safer place for investment.

challenge to attract foreign investment A

LAHORE

Dr AFtAB AFZAL

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ccording to newspaper reports, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has invited foreign businessmen to exploit huge investment opportunities in Pakistan as there is huge potential for investment in every sector of the economy in the country. The minister should understand that every country welcomes foreign investment with both hands, but the investors want certain conditions to invest their money in new projects. Nobody will risk its money on the statements and lipservice by the government ministers. The Pakistani economy is based on loans which are piling

up day by day. Pakistan is ready to receive 10th tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) next month under Extended Fund Facility arrangement, burdening the nation with another $550 million loan. The loan is approved after the government assured the donor agency that it has achieved all the economic targets. The government has also assured the IMF that the budget deRicit will be kept within limits and tax collection will be improved.

As a matter of fact, the problem starts when the government commits to the foreign donors that it will be able to collect certain amount of taxes in compliance with their conditionalities. But the government never gives attention to improve the tax system instead

of tax collections. Another matter of rejoice for the government is that it will receive $900 million from the World Band and Asian Development Bank this month, but the policymakers have no idea what they are going to do with this nation. Instead of concentrating on loans, the Rinance minister should improve the country’s position on the ease of doing business index to attract foreign direct investment. The Rinance minister himself accepted low ranking of Pakistan on ease of doing business index and promises that the government will endeavor to bring the ranking to around 100. The current economic and Rinancial policies are also outdated and need to be revised with clear vision on the part of the government

to promote business, trade and investment in the country. The country’s emerging middle classes can work as an engine of growth for consumer goods industry and it is the best time to promote corporate sector in the country. Though the corporate sector has its own demerits, but overall results of the corporate economy are not bad. Apart from reforms, the government should ensure incessant power supply to the industrial sector and introduce speciRic tax policy for foreign investors. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor will bring over $45 billion investment in the country and mega industrial projects can be initiated in the country, involving investors from all over the world, including China.

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India accuses China of stalling exports of country NEW DELHI: Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday expressed concern over China continuing to “make efforts to stall” India’s exports to that country.

The Minister said though emphasis was being laid on sectors such as pharma, IT/ ITES, gems & jewellery, textiles, fruits & vegetables and meat to improve India’s exports to China, that country has been making efforts to stall India’s exports through non-tariff barriers such as phyto-sanitary stipulations and standardisation measures.

She made these comments during a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee (attached to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry) held in Goa to review India’s trade performance in the current financial year, an official statement said.

pakistan cotton ginners Association rejects cess on cotton bale akistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) rejected cess tax from government on each bale of cotton. Government department’s policy on cotton and standardization performance is almost zero and government current policy on cotton is also damaging our industry and business. Pakistan Cotton Ginners As-

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sociation announced to launch awareness campaign in the country for protecting industry from further destruction. Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) converted their all offices into coordination office for resolving their issues of cotton traders in Pakistan.

PCGA coordination offices will stay in touch with Ginners of the Pakistan in order to record their complaints and suggestions. Office staff has been directed from executive council of PCGA to constantly keep in touch with ginners for difficulties. Pakistan government also imposed 10% duty on import of cotton yarn from India to protect local cultivators and ginners. Cotton ginners are facing severe issues in this season again due to harsh weather and production of cotton has been also on decline and facing financial crunch in the International market as well as local market. Deputy secretary coordination in charge will stationed in the Multan PCGA office and he will coordinate with Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Lodhran, Layyah , Khanewal and Rajan Pur offices.

Bahawalpur and Vehari offices will coordination with the other regions of Punjab.—CB Report

Wednesday November 11, 2015

Chambers

centre has not released a single penny despite its promises so far: cM Qaim C

KARACHI

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hief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that although the federal government committed to give Rs 12 billion to Sindh government long time ago for equipping the police department with necessary equipment and ammunition including bullet proof cars and jackets so that they could effectively deal with criminals but not a single penny has been released in this regard so far.

“Nonetheless, we are trying our best to restore peace in Karachi and improve the performance of police by utilizing our own Rinancial resources”, Chief Minister Sindh added while exchanging views during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Chairman Businessmen Group and Former President KCCI, Siraj Kassam Teli, Vice Chairmen BMG Zubair Motiwala and Haroon Farooki, President KCCI Younus Muhammad Bashir, Senior Vice President KCCI Zia Ahmed Khan, Vice President KCCI Muhammad Naeem Sharif, Former Presidents

KCCI, AQ Khalil, Majyd Aziz, Abdullah Zaki and Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra along with KCCI Managing Committee members attended the meeting.

Qaim Ali Shah further assured that all issues identiRied by the representatives of Karachi Chamber in today’s meeting were valid and the Sindh government will try its best to get them resolved as early as possible and in consultation with KCCI. Speaking on the occasion, Chairman businessmen group and former president KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli said

that during the past 8 years of Pakistan People’s Party government, it has been observed that the business community continues to face issues which were only resolved if Karachi Chamber took up any particular issue with Chief Minister Sindh otherwise the bureaucrats keep on using delaying tactics and create hindrances with a view to loot and take away whatever was left behind. He said that the intent to work honestly and truthfully should be exhibited by everyone including the men in uniform, politi-

LccI urges govt to launch tax reforms

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LAHORE

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ahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad has urged the government to introduce tax reforms in consultation with the stakeholders to promote tax culture in the country.

Talking to a 25-member delegation of tax lawyers led by the ZulRiqar Khan, the LCCI president said that most of the challenges being faced by the economy are directly linked to complicated and lengthy taxation procedures. He said that the EU states do not implement policies without due consultation of the stakeholders. LCCI vice president Nasir Saeed, former secretary of Lahore Tax Bar Association Aamir Qadeer and former ofRice-bearers of Pakistan Tax Bar and Lahore Tax Bar

Associations also spoke on the occasion. Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry believes that for the promotion of tax culture in Pakistan, the government would have to bring down the rate of the taxes besides bringing the untaxed sectors into the tax net. He said that Rlaws in taxation system causing loss of billions of rupees to the national exchequer. He said that a large number of taxes and difRicult taxation system is also creating troubles for the taxpayers. He said that tax reforms like developed countries could enhance the government revenue. The LCCI vice president Nasir Saeed in his address said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry believes that for the promotion of tax culture in Pakistan, the government would have to bring down the rate of taxes besides bringing the untaxed sectors into

the tax net. Former secretary Lahore Tax Bar Association Aamir Qadeer said that a large number of taxes and difRicult taxation system is creating troubles for the taxpayers.

Muhammad Amir Qadeer urged the Federal Board of Revenue to resolve the issue of inactiveness of IRIS system instead of giving repeated deadline for Riling of tax return. He said that people are facing serious problems while working with the FBR online services as their online request do not go through the online portal and cannot be retrieved by the concerned authorities. “How it is possible for the people to Rile their returns when FBR IRIS system is not issuing NTN numbers”, he questioned.

He said that Federal Board of Revenue’s online system IRIS is creating problems since long but business community is unable to understand that why immediate attention was not paid to solve the issue.

cians, bureaucrats and even the business and industrial community in order to improve the situation. Everyone has to be honest and truthful but unfortunately, this is not happening at all, which is the key reason why issues continue to persist, he added.

Siraj Teli further pointed out that all seven industrial town associations in the city have been pursuing different strategies while illegal Business Councils and Forums are usually seen ‘hailing the presence’ so bureaucrats and politicians.

coal use for power generation can reduce oil import he increased use of coal for power generation can help save billions of dollars in oil import bill to bridge budget deficit.

This was stated by UBG North Zone Chairman Abdul Rauf Alam in a press release. He said that coal can also save Pakistan from shocks of volatile oil market which can rebound anytime while dams can ensure generation of thousands of megawatts of cheap electricity, Abdul Rauf. “Our economy will remain in red unless dependence on oil is reduced and reliance on coal is increased as refusal of loans by IMF can create very serious balance of payments crisis and lead to undermining economic activities in country”, he said.—CB Report

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Russian meat imports fall 27% in nine months Wednesday November 11, 2015

World

MOSCOW: In June, Russia prolonged the food ban for another year after the EU and the U.S. expanded their sanctions on Russia. Food imports into Russia have dropped considerably in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same period last year, the RIA Novosti news agency reported Friday. Meat imports dropped by 27 percent in the first nine months of the year, while poultry and fish imports contracted 1.6 times and 1.7 times respectively, the news agency reported, citing data from the Federal Customs Service.

A big drop was also seen in imports of butter and vegetable oil, that were down 1.7 and 3.2 times respectively between January and September.

customs seizes 1.2m cigarettes stuffed inside frozen carcasses

hong kong customs seizes 36kg ivory products

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HONG KONG

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WARSAW

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angsters who smuggled more than a million illegal cigarettes into the UK hidden in frozen chickens have been jailed. The ‘fowl’ plot was discovered when ofRicers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) stopped a refrigerated lorry in Mitcham Road, Croydon, in May 2013.

uS customs seizes $253k in marijuana at port of Douglas ustoms and Border Protection officers arrested two people in separate incidents the Raul Hector Castro (RHC) Port of Douglas, and seized just more than 506 pounds of marijuana.CBP officers at the Port of Douglas removed 252 packages of marijuana from a smuggling vehicle Officers arrested Yaneli Denisse Valencia-Gallardo, 32, of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, after finding more than 274 pounds of marijuana, worth more than $137,000, hidden throughout her Ford SUV. Officers also arrested Thomas A. Reade, 26, of McNeal, Arizona, after a CBP narcotics-detection canine alerted to the presence of drugs within McNeal’s Suzuki SUV. —CB Report

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Customs ofRicials found more than 1.2 million cigarettes stuffed inside the frozen carcasses of chickens, worth an estimated £288,240 in lost revenue to the taxman. Last Thursday four members of the west London-based gang were convicted at the Old Bailey for their involvement in the plot, with two facing jail time. Miroslaw Rogalksi, 53, a Polish national of Popes Lane W5, was found guilty and sentenced to four years and nine months in prison.

Mariusz Dudek, 32, a Polish national of Castle Road, Northolt, Middlesex,

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was sentenced to three years and six months in prison. Amjad Jassim, 44, of Hillcrest Road W5, was found guilty and was given a suspended sentence of two years in prison and ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work. Alban Beqiri, 40, an Albanian of The Curve, Shepherds Bush, pleaded guilty and was Rined £150. David Margree, assistant director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “This was a highly organised and professional tobacco smuggling plot designed to steal money from the public.

China, Singapore sign deal on FTA upgrading

hina and Singapore signed an agreement here Saturday to launch negotiations on upgrading their seven-year-old free trade agreement (FTA).

It was one of a slew of deals the two sides signed in the morning in the presence of visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien

Loong. The existing China-Singapore FTA was signed in October 2008 and entered into force on Jan 1, 2009. It was China’s Rirst comprehensive bilateral FTA with another Asian country. The accord has played an important role in boosting two-way trade and investment, and has become a pillar of the close relationship between the two nations.—CB Report

wo men who were travelling from Zimbabwe to Hong Kong have been detained after 36kg of suspected ivory products were found in their luggage.

Media reports from Hong Kong said the two men aged 29 and 47 were caught last Wednesday on arrival from Harare on a Rlight from Dubai. The reports indicate that during customs clearance, customs ofRicers found about 19kg of suspected ivory products concealed in a tailormade vest inside the hand luggage belonging to the 47-year-old.

The customs ofRicers also found about 17kg of suspected ivory prod-

ucts in the hand luggage belonging to the 29-year-old suspect.

According to the reports, the ivory products are estimated at the value of HK$360,000 (about US$46,449.31) in Hong Kong. The two suspects, the reports added, were handed over to the agriculture, Risheries and conservation department for further investigation.

The department oversees matters relating to ivory in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong statutes stipulate that any person found in possession of products under the protection of endangered species of animals and plants ordinance, without a licence is liable to a maximum Rine of HK$5 million (about US$645,127.60) and two years in jail. Rampant poaching has gone on for years in the country.

Australian customs staff at international airports on strike

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assengers at Australia’s eight international airports can expect delays with around 5000 Australian Border Force workers on strike until midnight.

People using Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Adelaide, Cairns and Gold Coast airports have been warned to arrive earlier than usual for flights, with only skeleton customs and immigration staff working at the airports, as well as ports and international mail centres until midnight tonight.

The protected industrial action will also mean delays in processing arriving passengers and screening baggage and cargo, including a ban on releasing goods or cargo after assessment.

The latest round of industrial action is part of a long-running pay dispute with the federal government, with the Community and Public Sector Union claiming workers face cuts to pay and conditions.

Counter-terrorism and security staff are not part of the strike.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection said it is making arrangements to minimise the impact on travellers but some delays can be expected. “We will continue to negotiate in good faith with all bargaining representatives to reach an agreement which is within our means, and meets the parameters set by the Australian Government Public Sector Workplace Bargaining Policy,” the department said.—CB Report

Saudi Arabia to continue investment in gas, oil sectors

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inister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ali Al-Naimi said that Saudi Arabia is continuing investment in all phases of oil and gas industry, despite the current decline in prices, in addition to investment in other sources of energy such

as solar energy. Address the Rirst Ministerial Meeting of the Ministers of Petroleum and Energy of the Group of Twenty, held in Istanbul October 1 – 2, Minister Al-Naimi said that the world is in need of access to energy in a clean and continuing form available for all at the present time and for future generations around the world. The Minister who headed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s delegation participating in the

meeting pointed out that one among the most important factors that helps to achieve this objective is the movement of prices clearly affecting the current and future investments, particularly in the long term in an important industry such as oil.

Minister Al-Naimi emphasized the importance of investment in science, research and technology to make fossil energy sources cleaner and more

appropriate to the requirements of the environment, and more happiness and prosperity for the future generations. Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Trade and Development of Finland Lenita Toivakka, Ambassador of Finland Pekka Voutilainen and members of the trade delegation Tuomo Ronkko, Jyrki Eklund and Anja Silvennoinen at the press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Riyadh.

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West Coast ports widen lead on imports ASTANA: Wheat exports from Kazakhstan in September 2015 were lower than the previous two seasons, however, it was at level of the average annual figure.

Wheat exports only slightly exceeded 250 KMT. The bulk of Kazakh wheat had been purchased by the largest buyers of last season – Uzbekistan with 47% of the total exported wheat volume, Tajikistan with 40%.

They are followed by Iran (5%), Azerbaijan (3%), Turkey (2%), Afghanistan (2%). China purchased 1% of Kazakh wheat in September. They are followed by Iran (5%), Azerbaijan (3%), Turkey (2%), Afghanistan (2%). China purchased 1% of Kazakh wheat in September.

chinese port operator in Sri Lanka becomes major conduit of Indian trade Chinese port operator in Sri Lanka has become a major conduit of Indian trade, despite the strategic tensions over China’s growing reach in the Indian Ocean.

A US$500 million investment by China Merchants Holdings International (CMHI) in Colombo’s first deepwater terminal that is part of China’s “One Belt, One Road” strategy of trade integration now makes it possible for the port to attract ultra-large vessels. This is transforming Colombo into a hub for South Asia container traffic, especially the prized India market, where ports are ill-equipped for such cargo. Colombo steered the largest share, at 48 per cent, of India’s foreign transshipment volume in the latest fiscal year to March, according to Indian government statistics, followed

by Singapore and Port Klang in Malaysia. —CB Report

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wyoming expects to allow coal exports in Northwest ports yoming Gov. Matt Mead said he expects ports in the Northwest ultimately will allow coal exports from the Powder River Basin to Asia, but doesn’t know when.

Mead met with industry and government officials in Japan and India last month on a trade mission. Mead said it’s critical that Wyoming get access to Asian coal markets. Wyoming is the nation’s leading coal-producing state. It’s looking for new markets to make up for slipping domestic demand caused by low natural gas prices and tougher environmental regulations. Wyoming and Montana face opposition in the Northwest to their coal-export plans. Proposed coal terminal projects in Washington and Oregon are under review. Environmentalists oppose the prospect of trains hauling coal and say they’re concerned burning coal causes global warming.—CB Report

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Ports & Shipping

chinese-built port terminal in Sri Lanka

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he waves licking the giant of a ship docked at Colombo’s spanking new terminal in the crisp autumn noon cut a stark contrast to the lifeless swathe of the ocean on the other side marked for a controversial reclamation project stuck in the cross-currents of local and international politics.

Majority-owned by Hong Konglisted China Merchant Holdings International (CMHI), Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) may not get the headlines like its Chinese-funded twin next door, but it gets the job done. Unlike the stalled US$1.4 billion Colombo Port City, the CICT-run “South Terminal” is making the right kind of waves, raking it in for Colombo port like never before and transforming Sri Lanka into a regional shipping hub.

“See that big cat over there?” points Tissa Wickramasinghe, general manager, commercial and marketing, at CICT. “It takes US$200,000 every day to keep it purring. That’s the kind of daily operating cost we are talking about for ships of this

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Almost four ports decides to foot bill to deepen federal waterways ired of waiting for Congress, states racing to deepen seaports before the opening of the enlarged Panama Canal next year are picking up the cost of what has traditionally been a federal duty.

With funding for coastal navigation channels at its lowest in a decade, port directors worry that the federal government is abandoning construction and maintenance of U.S. waterways just as builders churn out a new generation of huge container vessels. The so-called post-Panamax class carries loads twice the size of current ships and demands deeper harbors.

At least four ports in Texas, Florida and Georgia have decided to foot the bill to deepen federal waterways, a total of almost half a billion dollars, rather than wait years for funds. To berth post-Panamax ships, ports typically need 50 feet of depth; there are only four on the East Coast. Smaller facilities are looking for an edge to gain a bigger piece of the $4.6 trillion in economic activity generated at U.S. ports last year, a quarter of the gross domestic product. “Efficiency’s the name of the game,” said John Walsh, CEO of the Canaveral Port Authority in Cape Canaveral, Florida, which is funding a deepening project with state and local money. “You will either be a port that can be a stop or you’re not.”And not all ports are ready to let the U.S. government off the hook.—CB Report

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size. Even an hour’s delay means big bucks. That’s why they come here, for the reliability of service and the geography.”

Wickramasinghe’s bragging rights are well earned. With worldclass facilities designed to accommodate ultra-large ships – like the CMA CGM Marco Polo that the white-goateed Wickramasinghe is

pointing to – the terminal has been a phenomenal success in attracting ships with capacity of more than 10,000 20-foot equivalent units (teu) that would otherwise bypass Sri Lanka’s shallow ports. The 16,020 teu Marco Polo used to be the world’s biggest ship before being overtaken by an 18,270 teu ship in 2013.—CB Report

cMA cgM plans to buy Neptune orient

rance’s CMA CGM SA is in talks to acquire Singapore container shipping company Neptune Orient Lines Ltd., as majority owner Temasek Holdings Pte seeks a buyer, people with knowledge of the matter said. CMA CGM has made a preliminary offer for NOL, which has a market value of S$2.7 billion ($1.9

Wednesday November 11, 2015

billion), two of the people said, asking not to be identiRied as the information is private. Marseille-based CMA CGM is now conducting due diligence, though it hasn’t been granted exclusivity, according to one of the people. Denmark’s A.P. MoellerMaersk A/S is also in talks about an acquisition of NOL, though the dis-

cussions are less advanced, the people said. A deal is unlikely to be struck soon, as the slumping shipping sector damps the appetite for aggressive bidding, two of the people said. Temasek, the Singapore state investment company that owns 67 percent of NOL, may not be willing sell its stake at a low price, they said.—CB Report

thermal coal imports surges 18% at top 12 major ports

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hermal coal imports surged 18% at the country’s top 12 major ports to 55.90 million tonnes (MT) in the Rirst seven months of the current Riscal amid government efforts to boost domestic output, led by state-owned Coal India Ltd.

These ports had handled 47.23 MT of coal during the April-October period of the last Riscal, 2014-15.

Thermal coal is the mainstay of India’s energy programme as 70% of power generation is dependent on the dry fuel, while Coal Minister Piyush Goyal has been emphasising the need to increase the production by state-run Coal India.

Imports of coking coal, used mainly for steel-making, also

jumped by 6.31% to 19.38 MT, as per the latest data with the Indian Ports Authority. The centre-owned ports had handled 18.23 MT of coking coal in April-October period of 2014-15. Together, these ports handled 75.28 MT coal during the AprilOctober period of the current Riscal as against 65.46 MT in the same period of the previous Riscal.

India is the third-largest producer of coal after China and the

US with 299 billion tonnes of resources and 123 billion tonnes of proven reserves, which may last for over 100 years. India has 12 major ports Kandla, Mumbai, JNPT, Marmugao, New Mangalore, Cochin, Chennai, Ennore, V O Chidambarnar, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Kolkata (including Haldia) which handle approximately 61% of the country’s total cargo traffic.

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Multan Excise generates Rs 124 million taxes in October MULTAN: The Excise and Taxation has collected Rs 124.4 million under the heads of different taxes during October 2015.

According to statistics, the Multan Excise accumulated the revenue of Rs 124.4 million in a month including Rs 47 million property tax, Rs 66 million motor tax, Rs 6.4 million excise duty and the Rs 5 million professional tax. Officials said that department showed good performance in revenue collection during the said period.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

Multan customs directs MDpt to shift export clearance on weBoc MULTAN IMrAN ALI

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he Model of Customs Collectorate Multan has directed Multan Dry Port Trust to convert export on WeBOC system from One Customs.

The Multan Dry Port Trust is clearing export consignments through One Customs. MCC Multan Collector has directed Multan Dry Port Trust to shift all export on the WeBOC clearance system.

The Model of Customs Collectorate Multan directed them to replace WeBOC system for clearance of export consignment immediately.

Multan Dry Port is one of the few dry ports in which they are still operating with One Customs for the clearance of export.

Multan Dry Port Trust taken some time Model of Customs Collectorate for making arrangements for shifting export clearance on WeBOC system. Chairman and General Manager MDPT called meeting of their members for discussing matter of export through WeBOC system. Meanwhile, Collector Model of Customs Collectorate Multan Sarfraz Ahmad Warraich is in

Lahore to attend a two-day meeting. According to details, Collector Sarfraz Ahmad Warraich will attend official meeting with other

Customs officers in Chief Collectorate of Customs. During his visit of Lahore, Collector Sarfraz Ahmad Warraich will discuss various

issues relating to Post Clearance Audit as well as import and export of the MCC Multan.

Collector Sarfraz Ahmad War-

raich will also give briefing on the import of Multan Customs and hurdles in import from Multan Dry Port.

Jhang ASo seizes smuggled diesel generators FAISALABAD

NAeeM SheIkh

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The Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization ( ASO ) has seized foreign origin diesel generators worth Rs 3 million. Sources told Customs Today that MCC Faisalabad Collector Dr Zulafqar Ali Chaudhary received a credible information about smuggling of foreign origin diesel generators.

The ASO team comprising superintendent Zahid Raza Bukhari, inspector Asgher Mehdi Naqvi, Shaukat Khan, Mujahid Abbas and sepoys ZulaRiqar Ali Wahla, Ziaullah Cheema, Muhammad Ajmal, Ahmad Bukkash intercept a vehicle on Multan Road Shorkot district Jhang and seized foreign origin generators.

The ASO team asked accused persons Muhammad Riaz son of Abdul Shakoor, and Muhammad Iqbal owner of Madina Generators to produce legal documents regarding the possession of generators, but they failed to produce the

same. The ASO team seized the generators and registered a case against the accused.

Meanwhile, The Collector Customs Adjudication Faisalabad Raja Tahir Majeed issued Order-inOriginal (ONO), by declaring the conRiscation of a non-duty paid vehicle lawful. The vehicle was impounded by Customs Intelligence and Investigation Faisalabad.

Sources told Customs Today that Customs Intelligence additional director received a credible information about a smuggled Hino Ranger truck bearing registration no TKJ-347- Lasbella. The vehicle

was driven by accused Muhammad Zubair son of Ajab Khan. The Customs team asked the driver of the vehicle to produce legal documents regarding possession of truck, but he failed to produce the same. After which Customs authorities seized the vehicle and registered a case against accused persons. During Customs Adjudication proceedings a person Ghulam Murtaza son of Asghar Ali appeared on behalf of accused party but he failed to submit any legal documents. Therefore Customs Adjudication issued OnO in favour of Customs Intelligence declaring

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conRiscation of Hino truck as lawful. Meanwhile, The Faisalabad Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I and I) has conRiscated items worth Rs 17.38 million in October. The Directorate of Customs Investigation Faisalabad has seized smuggled goods worth Rs 17.38 million from different areas in its jurisdiction, including Faisalabad, Sargodha, and FIU Khoushab city during October, 2015. Talking to Customs Today, Customs Intelligence Additional Director Azmat Tahira stated that conRiscated smuggled goods were including imported alloy rimz, black paper.