Customs authorities, KCCI pledge closer collaboration to boost exports
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Shipping activity can be seen at Port Qasim, Karachi. — APP/File
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KARACHI: In an attempt to cooperate to strengthen Pakistan’s export sector, Customs Chief Collector (Export) Mohammad Sadiq confirmed the customs officials’ commitment to work with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to promote any trade operations.
Addressing a meeting during his visit to the KCCI, the Chief Collector emphasized the long -standing, respected relations between the Customs Department and the KCCI, and emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in tackling the challenges facing exporters.
He said, “Our meetings are not about assigning accusations, but are about to admit that there should be a joint effort to improve.” “Export is the life of our economy, and for decades, we have done a lot of work to facilitate trouble -free operations for exporters, in Karachi and APContri.”
The meeting was attended by Customs of Customs (Export) Irfan Javed, President of the President, CCI Muhammad Judge Bulani, Senior Vice President Ziaul Arfine, Vice President Faisal Khalil Ahmed, former President Afti Khar Ahmed Sheikh, and members of the KCCI Managing Committee.
Highlighting the recent steps, Javed informed the participants that a 24 -hour help desk has been set up at the Customs Headquarters, offering immediate help to the exporters. Contact details are readily available, and a dedicated WhatsApp group, including chief collectors, senior officials and exporters, ensure real -time issues.
“We are determined to address immediate concerns, including harmony with drug enforcement agencies to minimize useless inspection,” he added.
Explaining the process of exemption, Javed explained that 90 % of the exemption is paid by the State Bank of Pakistan, which has final approval with the federal government.
Earlier, Bulani emphasized that while remittances are valuable, but sustainable economic power should come from an export strategy that aims to achieve a positive trade balance.
“Exporters should be fully endorsed, and unnecessary obstacles or harassment must be eliminated,” he said. At the same time, people involved in corruption must be identified and accountable to maintain Pakistan’s reputation globally. “
The President of the KCCI also highlighted the key operational challenges facing exporters, including each day’s compensation, delay in examination procedures and high cost of logistics, especially about destructive equipment.
He emphasized better harmony between customs and cargo handlers to ensure faster clearance, and thus protect the quality of the product.
He praised the establishment of a sharp reaction WhatsApp group in which focal people were linked to each association, and described as a “game changer” for real -time solution to exporters’ problems.
After dealing with specific concerns, the Bulani cited incidents where the export goods, once cleared, were suddenly subjected to inspection, which delayed and confused. He called for an end to the exercise, and insisted that the post -clearance inspection damaged exporters’ confidence and shipment timelines.
Focusing on the issues related to the sector, Bulani talked about the Iron and Steel export sector, which, despite contributing to $ 1.5 billion exports, is facing the removal of the Export Facility Scheme (EFS) due to allegations of negative price hike. Emphasizing the need to tackle corruption, he warned of some people’s actions against punishing the entire sector.
He stressed, “The real exporters should not be harmed. Accountability should be precise and fair.”
In the textile sector, which is more than 60 % of Pakistan’s exports, Bulani pointed out that liquidity challenges have long been growing. The introduction of the EFS has greatly reduced these issues by improving access to funds and promoting order volume. However, withdrawal processing still requires access, as the delay is intact.
He also said that several commercial sectors, including leather, surgical equipment and sports equipment, have requested an extension of export period under EFS, which is now a proposal under a policy -level review. Bilani encouraged exporters to formally support the move through written representation.
The two sides confirmed their commitment to strengthen Pakistan’s export ecosystem by maximizing cooperation, effective convenience, transparency and collective issues.
