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Karachi, Fri February 10, 2017

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hairman Federal Board of Revenue Dr. Muhammad Irshad has said it is very encouraging to observe that so far from July 16, 2016 to January 2017 there is a growth of 22.6 percent of customs duty and an overall growth of 10.6 percent in all import related taxes.

Though these figures are good yet to achieve revenue target of current financial year (2016-2017) we have to increase our efforts. Chairman FBR Dr. Muhammad Irshad was addressing the collector conference at Federal Board of Revenue. Collectors Conference was attended by the chief collectors, director generals and collectors from allover Pakistan. Sources said after assuming the charge of chairman FBR, it was his first formal interaction

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with the senior management of Customs Department.

Addressing the participants of conference he welcomed the chief collectors, director generals, collectors and said “I hope and expect that not only this trend will continue, rather I would urge you all to surpass the next five months target. Importance of your collection, import, sales tax and withholding tax is very much besides the customs duties are very significant.

Multan Customs collects Rs2698.405m during January

Higher sales tax rates direct co-relation with price hike: Finance Ministry

Rights of backward areas be protected in CPEC: Khattak

Customs team impounds smuggled hardware items worth Rs 30 million

Hyderabad customs generates Rs1009.551m revenue in January2017

The Model of Customs Collectorate Multan missed its revenue collection target | See pAge 02 |

Dar of the viewpoint that sales tax at a higher rate has direct co-relation | See pAge 03 |

CM KP Khattak has called for the merger of SIDB in EZDMC, extension of electricity | See pAge 04 |

Customs I&I has seized smuggled hardware tools and other accessories | See pAge 14 |

TheModelCustomsCollectoratecollected Rs1009.551millionintheheadofdutiestax | See pAge 16 |

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PASDEC installs $3.6m machinery pool at FATA Friday, February 10, 2017

National

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Stone Development Company (PASDEC) has established a machinery pool worth of $3.6 million at Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

The project has been launched in collaboration with USAID, an official in the Company told APP here on Wednesday. Giving details about other projects being launched by PASDEC in collaboration with international and local donors, the official said the Company had also launched Mosaic Training programme for women’s worth Rs. 49 million with Italian NGO (APALMO Italy). Moreover, he said marble machinery operators Training Programme worth Rs15 million was launched with the help of USAID.

Multan customs collects Rs2698.405 million during Jan 2017

FAISALABAD

MULTAN

iQRA SHeHZADi

iMRAn ALi

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ustoms Adjudication Additional Collector Beelam-ur-Ramzan has issued a show cause notice to suspect in non-duty paid used trailer and grey fabrics case involving Rs2.773 million. As per the details, Faisalabad Customs Intelligence and Investigation following information impounded a used Trailer/Container bearing Registration No.TLQ 768 near jhang Road.

The team asked the driver of the vehicle named Muhammad Imran to show documents regarding legal import of the vehicle and goods but he could not produce the same. Therefore, the officials impounded the vehicle and goods under the customs laws and forwarded the case to Customs Adjudication for further legal action. Now, Additional Collector Beelam-ur-Ramzan issued notice to the accused person on the violation of Section 10-A 89(1) and 156(1) of the Customs Act, 1969. However, the adjudication has directed the accused to file a reply on the next date of hearing .The seizing agency has also been directed to file a reply in the case.The adjudication authority also directed Customs Intelligence Deputy Director Muhammad Riaz Hussain to attend the hearing on schedule date along with relevant record.

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he Model of Customs Collectorate Multan missed its revenue collection target for the month of January due to less import clearances from Multan Dry Port.

The Federal Board of Revenue has assigned revenue collection target of Rs4354 million to Multan Customs under the head of customs duty, sales taxes, federal excise duty (FED) and Withholding Tax (WHT).

The Model of Customs Collectorate Multan has made collection of Rs2698.405 million against Rs4354 million collected during the month of January against the allotted target of Federal Board of Revenue.

Multan Customs has collected Rs555.581 million customs duties for the duration of January against the assigned target of Rs.678 million. The Model of Customs Collectorate Multan has attained almost 82 revenue collection target of customs duty. On the other hand, Multan Customs has collected Rs548.008 million during the matching period of the previous Qiscal 2015-16.

The Model of Customs Collectorate Multan has made revenue collection of Rs1286.352 million sales tax against the given task of Rs3560 million for the month of January of current Qiscal year 2016-17.The Collect orate has collected only 36 % revenue collec-

Addl-collector Beelam issues notice to owner of nDp fabrics

tion of sales taxes in the month of January 2016-17. Multan Collectorate collected Rs.2358.587 million during January of the corresponding economic year 2015-16. Multan Customs has gathered Rs7.395 million against Rs.24 million tasks for federal excise duty during month of January. The col-

lectorate of Multan Customs has collected Rs16.544 million against Rs92 million under the head of income tax throughout January. Multan Customs has also collected Petroleum Development Levy of Rs831.312 million and additional sales tax of Rs.1.222 million from clearances of High Speed

Diesel and other import items throughout the month of January.

Meanwhile, Multan Customs failed to collect assigned revenue target for the month of January due to decline in the import clearances at Multan Dry Port after imposition of Infrastructure development cess on import goods.

pak: greece trade volume dips to $72.3m in fY-2015-16 P

ISLAMABAD

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akistan’s bilateral trade with Greece declined $ 17.2 million in last four fiscal years. Total volume of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Greece was $ 89.5 million in fiscal year 2012-13 but it reduced to $ 72.3 million in 2015-16.

This decline has been gradual as tune of bilateral trade was $

86.3 million in FY 2013-14 and $ 78.7 million in FY 2014-15.

Pakistan can satisfactorily cater to the requirements of the Greek market for sports goods, textile products and food related items and consumer goods including items like frozen meat, dairy products, household electric appliances, fancy furniture and fashion industry etc.

However, a well placed source at Ministry of Commerce (MoC) told Customs Today that main

cause of the declining tune of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Greece as the Euro-Zone crisis as the Greece was at centre stage of the Euro Zone crisis resulting in high levels of unemployment and falling national income which severely reduced the aggregate national consumption of the country and also caused bilateral trade to shrink.

“This is why, Pakistan’s exports to Greece stood at US$

62.6 million in 2015-16 whereas Pakistan’s imports from Greece stood at US $ 9.6 million over the same period.

Balance of trade has remained in the favour of Pakistan for the last five years” the source added.

However, the source said that MoC had been making efforts to update exporters/ businessmen about market opportunities that arisen in the Greece market.

Consequently, Pakistan’s cotton

fabrics, all sorts of rice, chemical products and synthetic fabrics have gained foothold there.

In this regard, representatives of MoC based in Pakistani Mission were in touch with the local authorities and chambers of commerce to enhance the existing volumes of bilateral trade and encouraged large enterprises of Greece such as Maritech. IDE, Lockheed Martin.

Channel VAS, Miltech, LEEAD, Metron etc to invest in Pakistan.

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Faisalabad ASO seizes goods worth Rs17m in last week of January FAISALABAD: The Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO), Faisalabad, has seized goods of different brands worth Rs 18million in various operations during the last week of January FY216-17.

Sources told Customs Today that under the supervision of Deputy Collector Muhammad Rizwan, the ASO team arrested several smugglers to curb the illegal business.

The raiding ASO team consisted of Superintendent Saeed Akhtar Joiya, Inspector Khalid Ashraf Noor, Inspector Ali Zahid, Inspector Khalid Mehmood Dogar, Sepoys Muhammad Ashraf, Liaqat Ali, Israr Ahmad and Muhammad Abdullah.

Mianwali ASo seizes smuggled items during crackdown

Friday February 10, 2017

National

Higher sales tax rates direct co-relation with price hike: Dar

FAISALABAD

nAeeM SHeikH

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Mianwali has seized smuggled Royal milk, Rani ploat drink, Glass ball, and diaper worth Rs 31,60,089 involving duty and taxes amounting to Rs747,924. Sources told Customs Today that Deputy Collector Muhammad Rizwan received information regarding smuggling attempts on which he formed a team comprising Superintendent Chaudhary Sardar Muhammad, Inspector Muhammad Mansha and Muhammad Umar Bhatti, and Sepoys Muhammad Feroz, Muhammad Anwar, Said Rasool and others.

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faisalabad fiA arrests notorious human trafficker FAISALABAD

iQRA SHeHZADi

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he Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Faisalabad, has arrested a human trafficker namely Zaigam Hussain Alvi son of Ghulam Rasool during an action. The suspect is a resident of Hilalpura, Sahiwal. Sources told Customs Today that FIA Deputy Director Syed Imam Zaidi and Sub-inspectors Taimoor Haider and Abbas Bajwa conducted a raid on the whereabouts of the accused person who was running an illegal business of sending innocent people abroad after extorting amounts from them. The accused also extorted Rs150000 from complainant Baber Haider for sending him to Spain. The FIA also recovered original Pakistani passport and some copies of other passports from his possession. While checking the mobile phone of the accused, scanned copies of FIRs, affidavits, CNICs of different people, sticker visas of Spain.

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M ARSHAD

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inance Ministry is of the viewpoint that sales tax at a higher rate has direct corelation with hike in prices of commodities.

This is why, in a bid to keep the prices of essential commodities in check, the finance ministry has granted total exemption from sales tax to essential commodities in use by common man and wherever possible sales tax at reduced rate has been imposed on essential commodities.

“This is evident from the fact that meat, poultry, fish, eggs, vegetables, pulses, fruits, spices, produce of milling industry like flour, rice, etc. are totally exempt from sales tax with the exception of those sold in retail packing and under a brand name” a well placed source at Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) told Customs Today.

Similarly, the source said that dairy products were exempted from sales tax with the exception where the same were sold in retail packing and under a brand name which too were subjected to reduced sales tax rate of 10%.

Medicines and interventional equipment and apparatus for treatment of almost all the diseases are totally exempt from sales tax.

“Sugar, a major commodity of common man’s use is subject to reduced sales tax rate of 8%.

Likewise, finished articles of textile and leather are also subject to reduced sales tax rate of 5% given consideration to common man’s needs, exception being imported finished articles of leather and textile” the source added. The source said that Finance Ministry also kept POL products in check and impact of

“Sugar, a major commodity of common man’s use is subject to reduced sales tax rate of 8%.

Likewise, finished articles of textile and leather are also subject to reduced sales tax rate of 5% given consideration to common man’s needs, exception being imported finished articles

Sialkot customs transfers eight employees

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SIALKOT

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www.customsbulletin.com eputy Director (DD) of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Department, Gujranwala Region, Ali Zeb Khan has reshufQled eight employees of the department including three investigation ofQicers/inspectors and Qive sepoys of Gujranwala Region.

He transferred Investigation OfQicer/Inspector Mian Muhammad Yousaf to Kamokey check-post from

Narowal, Investigation OfQicer/Inspector Majid Raza from Kamokey check-post to Rahwali and Investigation OfQicer/Inspector Saad Iqbal Sidhu from Rahwali check-post to Wazirabad and Sepoys Sajid Raza and Rashid will perform duty at Kamokey chek-post, Mubashir do at Wazirabad check-post, Usama at Rahwali checkpost and Boota will perform duty at Narowal check-post. However, Investigation OfQicer/Inspector Mian Muhammad Yousaf will also look after Narowal and Majid Raza do

Kamokey check-post. Assistant Director Syed Itrat Hussian will supervise all the matters of ofQice while Superintendent Tahir RaQique will check the performance of Qield staff and administration. Deputy Superintendent Muhammad Sarwar will check the performance of Qield staff and will be authorized to constitute teams to curb smuggling. However, OfQice Superintendent Sajjad Rubbani will be responsible for correspondence with ofQicers for any meeting and other important matters.

increase in international Prices had been mostly absorbed by the government and not fully passed to the end user for last several months. It is worth mentioning that inflation is defined as a sustained increase in the general level of prices for goods and services. It is measured as an annual percentage increase. As inflation rises, every dollar you own buys a smaller percentage of a good or service.

iHc adjourns hearing of Dewan cement case he Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday dated in office the hearing of a petition filed by M/s Dewan Cement Limited, challenging a recovery claim made by field office of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). A single bench of the IHC comprising Justice Aamer Farooq heard the case and date in office following absence of lawyers from the court.

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CDNS increases profit rates for saving certificates ISLAMABAD: The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has notified upward revision in the profit rates for various saving certificates to benefit its investors especially the pensioners, which has been applicable from January 1, 2017.

“The instant revision was made in the backdrop of current market scenario and in accordance with the government’s policy to provide market based competitive rate of return to the investors of National Savings”, a senior official of the CDNS told APP here on Wednesday.

Friday February 10, 2017

Business

Rights of backward areas be protected in cpec PESHAWAR

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hief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervez Khattak has called for the merger of SIDB in EZDMC, extension of electricity to Hayatabad industrial estate, to be produced from natural gas and the involvement of the Board of Directors in the working group for CPEC related projects.

This he directed while presiding over the 11thBoard of Directors meeting of the EZDMC here at the Chief Minister's Secretariat.

Addressing the meeting the Chief Minister with a beaming face said that the western route stood part

25 metric ton rice export to Sri Lanka ISLAMABAD

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of the CPEC and were reflected in the previous JCC meeting of the CPEC. "We had no objection to any route of the CPEC but certainly we

pakistan predicted at no20 amongst 32 most powerful economies in 2030

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n aircraft carrying 25 metric ton rice left for Colombo due to severe drought in Sri Lanka as per Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s directive. The prime minister had directed to provide all necessary assistance to the government and the affected people of Sri Lanka, a foreign office press release said. “The Government and the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with the brotherly people of Sri Lanka in this hour of need and will continue to provide all possible support to them,” it added.

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had a principled stand that the rights of the backwards areas should be protected and a road should pass through these areas

under CPEC," he said. Pervez Khattak also said his government succeeded to make seven mega projects part of the CPEC and some other projects would be negotiated in the next meeting of the JCC. He assured that the projects that might not become part of the CPEC would be marketed in the Beijing Road-Show towards the end of March. Working groups in all public sector institutions were working on these lines.

The Chinese government had already agreed to invest in multiple projects with billions of US dollars. The investment would come through the top Chinese company, he added. He directed to gear up activities in order to get maximum investment attracted to the projects.

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ISLAMABAD

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he PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the world’s largest professional-services Qirms has ranked Pakistan on 20th amongat 32 most powerful economies in 2030. The report, titled “The long view: how will the global economic order change by 2050?” ranked 32 countries by their projected global gross domestic product by purchasing power parity (PPP).

The PPP is used by macroecono-

mists to determine the economic productivity and standards of living among countries across a certain time period.

While PwC’s Qindings show some of the same countries right near the top of the list in 13 years, they also have numerous economies slipping or rising massively by 2030.

Meanwhile, Leader of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), John Achakzai said that Pakistan needed to use geo-economic and geo-political track to avail business opportunities from United States.

Talking to a news channel, he

said that there was need to work on new ideas to track down business opportunities in the information technology and renewable energy with new administration of America. He was of the view that political, economic and military energies of Pakistan should have to Qind diplomatic search to unlock trade opportunities with United States.

He said that there was need to generate new ideas to work with Trump administration so that business opportunities and expertise from America could be availed in a proper manner.

uniDo technology beneficial for pakistan MULTAN

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ational Project Coordinator of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Dr Shahina Waheed said on Wednesday that UNIDO’s Global Cleantech Innovation Programme was beneficial for all sectors in Pakistan. It would reduce poverty and pollution, and produce skilled manpower besides other benefits, Dr Shahina said after giving a detailed briefing to industrialists at the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) here. She said removing hurdles in way of industrial development, capacity building, keeping the environment clean and extending support to avail modern technology were objectives behind the programme. Dr Shahina said:”The UNIDO programme in Pakistan stands on three pillars, including elimination of poverty through increasing production activities, trade capacity building to ensure export of Pakistani products into the international markets, and efforts for sustainable development”. She said industrial energy management and special focus on modern technology could make industrial perations cost effective.

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90 percent neelum-Jhelum project completes MIRPUR

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he 90 percent work at the 969MW-Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project has completed and it is expected to start functioning in February next year, ofQicials told the chairman of Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).

They further told him that the

project was started in 2008 but the work remained slow due to certain reasons like Qinancial constraints and redesigning of the project. However, most of the bottlenecks have been removed during the present regime, they brief Wapda Chairman Muzammil Hussain during his visit to the project in Muzaffarabad district. During the visit, the chairman expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved during the last six months, as most of the critical ac-

tivities have been carried out successfully on various sites of the project including composite dam, spill way, de-sander, diversion tunnel and power house. The project is heading towards its completion with a good pace, he said. He also noted it with satisfaction that breakthrough of the right tunnel is likely to be achieved in April this year, and with this achievement, excavation of 68.5-kilometer tunnels, considered to be the most critical component

of the project, will stand completed.

It is pertinent to mention that excavation of left tunnel of the project completed in October 2016. Witnessing construction activities inside the diversion tunnel, the Chairman emphasised upon the project management to ensure stipulated construction standards. He also directed them to maintain the pace of work in order to meet the timelines of present working schedule for completion of the project.

The chairman was briefed that the construction work on the project which started in 2008 remained slow due to certain reasons – Qinancial constraints and redesigning of the project during the construction phase being the major contributing factors. However, most of the bottlenecks have been removed during the present regime. Consequently, the construction work gained momentum and the project is now 90 percent complete.

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Rising chinese investment

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ccording to media reports, Chinese companies are taking keen interest in snapping up businesses opportunities in Pakistan after signing two major deals in the recent months.

The firms are interested in cement, steel, energy and textile sectors, as part of global trade network under Beijing’s One Belt, One Road project. Pakistan has emerged the key player of the Chinese government’s road network and investment plan. Beijing has bought 40 percent stakes in the Pakistan Stock Exchange and the Shanghai Electric Power has acquired K-Electric for $1.8 billion.

The Pakistani firms are also ready to collaborate with Chinese investors to launch joint ventures in various sectors, including a $2 billion K-Electric expansion plan in the coming years. China’s steel giant Baosteel Group is keen to acquire state-run Pakistan Steel Mills on a 30-year lease. The foreign direct investment reached $1.9 billion during the last fiscal year though it is far below $5.4 billion FDI the country attracted around 10 years ago.The government will have to revisit its policy as to why western countries are keen to invest in Vietnam and Malaysia instead of Pakistan. It is the failure of the foreign missions which could not present the soft image of Pakistan and a land of opportunities for foreign investors. Pakistan needs financial integration not only with China but also with Iran which has opened up its economy to foreign investors. Germany and India are finding business opportunities in Iran and Pakistan needs to take its share of business there. Unfortunately, reports appear in the media that Iran is likely to cancel Pakistan Iran Gas Pipeline deal after Islamabad’s reluctance to continue the project. China is going to shift its small industrial units to Bangladesh and the two countries have recently signed a deal in this regard. However, some Pakistani entrepreneurs are fearing Chinese investment in infrastructural projects will shift the local business to the Chinese enterprises. The government must look into the economic affairs from this angle too, but experts reject any harmful effectsof Chinese investment in Pakistan. The days of close economy are over and it is time the local businessmen should also adopt modern techniques to contest their Chinese counterparts in the fields and not in law books.

new infrastructure finance policy A

LAHORE

DR AftAB AfZAL

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ccording to newspaper reports, the government has approved a summary on Infrastructure Finance Policy 2017 through a premier federal government institution and a consultative forum, the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet.The policy envisages a long-term infrastructure Qinance framework to attract foreign direct investment and mobilise private Qinancing within the country for infrastructure projects. The policy will also cover demand and supply sides of Qinance in the wake of the economic reforms agenda launched by the current

government. The government claims it has achieved macroeconomic stability in the Qirst three years tenure in the ofQice and is now focusing on attaining higher sustainable and inclusive growth.

The government also claims that Pakistan has achieved the highest growth of 4.7 percent in eight years and there is a need to carry on the growth momentum. The development and expansion of infrastructure is necessary and inclusion of the private sector to invest and Qinance projects is imperative to cater to the needs of the growing economy. According to the ofQicial circles, the public sector investment is not sufQicient to support the expansion of development projects and private sector involvement is encouraged

in the present situation.

The government has consulted key stakeholders to Qinancethe infrastructure projects in line with the policy framework. It also seeks diversiQication of Qinancing sources and strengthening of key institutions to attract private investment in the sector. Under the policy, an action plan will be launched to meet the Qinancing requirements for a long time through an efQicient policy, good practices for infrastructure projects, support investment and encourage the development of Qinance framework. The government will also look into increasing the quantum of infrastructure Qinancing from the private sector.The sectors covered under the policy include ports, terminals, airports, railways, waterways,and renewable power infra-

structure. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor is the best example of foreign investment and there is no dearth of funds at the local level if business community is persuaded to participate in the development process. Through the new policy, it is hoped that the government will be able to increase infrastructure investment through internal and external resources. The policy will also facilitate and increase the role of the private sector in the nation building programme. The government should take the steps by involving the opposition parties into conQidence. As parliament is intact, bills should be passed by the assembly to launch the development projects, leaving little room for the next government to create any hindrance in the development process.

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Economic growth for UAE slow at 2.3% ADU DHABI: The UAE’s economy will grow at 2.3 per cent this year, slower than the 2.6 per cent rate projected for 2016, according to the latest data from the Central Bank. “The slowdown is driven mainly by the fiscal consolidation and the expected fall of oil production in 2017 following the commitment of the UAE to the Opec production cut decision,” the bank said in its latest economic review. This year the oil sector will expand at a rate of 0.8 per cent, while non-oil growth will be at 2.9 per cent. The forecasts are based on revised new figures of growth projections and global economic developments, including the Brexit vote in the UK and uncertainty following the US presidential elections, it said. The economy will pick up momentum next year, however, forecast to grow at 3 per cent as both the oil and non-oil sectors gather pace.

new industrial estates, SeZs need of the time: fpcci ISLAMABAD

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stablishment of new industrial estates, special economic zones and upgrading technology in the existing clusters of small and medium industry through public-private partnership is need of the time. FPCCI Vice President and Regional Chairman Manzoorul Haq Malik expressed these views in a meeting with Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) CEO Iqbal Tabish here at Regional office of the Federation on Tuesday. Malik said that industrialization was crucial in this era of development and “If we succeed in carrying

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out industrialization, the social, economic and technical problems will be readily solved. Industrial estates, SEZs, industrial cluster, cottage industries and SMEs are one of the key steps towards economic growth”. He added Pakistan was bestowed with four seasons and variety of agriculture produces, and there was huge potential of development of agro based industry to earn huge revenues. “We should strengthen our supply chain system in context of CPEC. Investment in Value addition units, cold storage units and de-hydration plants in Punjab should be encouraged”, he maintained. On this occasion, PIDC Chief Executive Officer Iqbal Tabish appreciated the ideas and views shared in the meeting and ensured his full support for mutual cooperation. He said business community of Pakistan was making all their efforts for economic uplift of country despite various problems being faced by them.

Friday February 10, 2017

Chambers

fpcci urges govt to solve trader’s outstanding issues: Aamir Ata Bajwa F

FAISALABAD

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inance Minister, Commerce Minister, Federal Board of Revenue and the representatives of processing sector will be brought to negotiation table to settle their differences, said Aamir Ata Bajwa Senior Vice President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). He was addressing a joint press conference addressed by the textile associations of Faisalabad.

He said that on one side government is offering textile package of Rs 180 billion while on the other side, the government institutions are damaging the industrial sector. He said that the Qinance minister and tax ofQicials should understand that taxpayers are the precious asset of the country who had contributed Rs.3100 billion as tax during last year.

He said that if FBR needs more taxes then it should explore new taxpayers instead of tightening the noose against the neck of existing taxpayers. He said that the Finance Minister has declared textile sector zero-rated but despite of these steps

the industry was facing a steep decline and hence government should reorganize its taxation system.

He clariQied that tax was not the core issue but it is the procedure through which the tax is being extorted from the business community. He said that we would not allow any body to create harassment in the garb of 38-A and 40-B of Sales Tax Act 1990. He was optimistic that he will convince the government to come on the negotiation table to re-

solve this issue on permanent basis. Earlier, President FCCI Engineer Muhammad Saeed Sheikh said that we should give at least 10 to 15 days notice before launching any protest.

He also explained in detail the joint declaration of 9th Chambers Presidents Conference held in Bhurban and said that it has proposed that only member FBR should be empowered to exercise these clauses as its use by the Regional Tax OfQice is creating harassment among the

pakistan committed to regional help under SAARc for economic growth

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delegation of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), led by Suraj Vaidya, President of the SAARC, called on Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Monday.

The adviser reafQirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional cooperation under the umbrella of SAARC for acceleration of economic and commercial growth. The adviser recognized the efforts of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry in promoting economic, trade and investment linkages across the region. He underscored Pakistan’s support for enhancement of trade and business amongst the countries

of the SAARC region. The president of the SAARC appreciated the positive approach Pakistan has been following to strengthen regional cooperation under the SAARC process.

He assured the SAARC delegation of further strengthening the SAARC. Suraj Vaidya, President, SAARC CCI, said the only viable way to uplift the downtrodden strata of the SAARC region is to make joint efforts. The SCCI delegation is visiting Lahore and Islamabad for Pakistani component of its 68th Executive Committee Meeting after having met in Amritsar on 26-27th of January 2017. Meanwhile, A delegation of Islamabad Goods Transport Association led by President Malik Shabbir Awan visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and called upon the CDA to

set up a Truck Stand in I-11/4, Islamabad on urgent basis as without this facility business of goods transporters was suffering badly.Addressing the dele gation, Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that goods transporters were playing a vital role in smooth growth of business activities as without their services, running the wheel of business and economy was not possible and urged upon the CDA to establish the truck stand in Islamabad to facilitate this important sector. He said CDA had already reserved a place in its Master Plan for truck stand in I-11/4, Islamabad, but it was unfortunate that the said facility was not constructed as yet due to which goods transporters were facing problems.

business community. Engineer HaQiz Ihtasham Javed Chairman APTPMA criticized the use of these controversial powers of Sales Tax Act and told that notices are also being issued to the textile processing units to submit their special returns in which names, CNIC’s and addresses of the non-registered parties are being demanded despite of the fact that they are already paying 2 percent extra sales tax on behalf of their non-registered parties.

Dubai chamber honors top exporters ine companies that provided outstanding work in the last nine months of 2016 were honored recently by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The companies were congratulated for their performance in the categories of export value, number of export markets and number of certificates of origin issues. They were Universal International FZE, Moon Flor General Trading LLC, Signature Snacks LLC, Al Khoud Trading, Raheeq Alasal Trading LLC, Rais Hassan Saadi Logistics LLC, Orient Links Co LLC, Mohamed Abdulrahman Al Bahar L.L.C., and Rayhan Al Sharq General Trading. Hisham Al Shirawi, second vice-chairman of the chamber, congratulated the honorees and presented them with certificates of recognition.–CB Report

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Hyderabad ASO seizes laptops, fabric from Khushal Khan Khattak express Friday February 10, 2017

National three smuggled vehicles valued Rs05m auctioned SIALKOT

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HYDERABAD: The Customs Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) confiscated foreign origin fabric and smuggled laptops from Kotri railway station during an operation in the last week of January 2017. According to details, Collector Hyderabad Agha Shahid Majeed received credible information about transportation of smuggled items. He immediately constituted a special team comprising Superintendent Sikander Akbar Panhwar, Inspector Asadudin Mirza, Inspector Muhammad Iqbal, Inspector Waqar Ahmed Baig, Sepoys and deivers to foil the smuggling attempt.

nAB believes in “zero corruption, 100% development”: Qamar Zaman C

LAHORE

M iMRAn MeHAR

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he Customs Intelligence and Investigation Department, Gujranwala Region, has held an auction of three impounded vehicles worth Rs05million on the other day.

Deputy Director Ali Zeb Khan supervised the auction of non-customs paid duty vehicles on the premises of department office whereas Assistant Director Itrat Hussain, Superintendent Tahir Rafique and Deputy Superintendent Muhammad Sarwar were members of auction committee. Seven parties participated in the bid while three ones gave bidding and and purchased three vehicles, including Toyota Hilux Surf, for Rs2.8million, Toyota Mark 11, for Rs1.4million and Toyota GLI for Rs950000. Office Superintendent Sajjad Rubanni told Customs Today that the field staff impounded the auctioned vehicles from Grand Trunk (GT) Road, Sambrial, and Wazirabad in November.

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fiA arrests notorious human trafficker he Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Faisalabad has arrested a human trafficker namely Mazhar Iqbal son of Rehmat Ali during an action. The suspect is residential of Chack No 191 RB Faisalabad.

Sources told Customs Today that FIA Deputy Director Syed Imam Zaidi along with his team, Sub inspector Taimoor Haider and Abbas Bajwa conducted a raid near Check no 191 RB Faisalabad and arrested the accused who was running illegal business of sending innocent people abroad after extorting big amounts from them. The accused person extorted about Rs130,000 from the complained Tariq Manhood for sending him Dubai. –CB Report

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hairman National Accountability Bureau Qamar Zaman Chaudhry, Chairman NAB has said that NAB believes in “Zero corruption, 100% Development”.

NAB is a complaint driven organization. NAB has operational methodology comprising of three stages for proceeding of cases complaint verification, inquiry and investigation.

He said the figures of complaints, inquiries and investigations are almost double as compared to the same period of 2015 to 2016. He said this while chairing a meeting to review progress of NAB at NAB headquarters.

The comparative figures for the latest two and half years are in-

dicative of the hard work being put in by all ranks of NAB staff in an at-

mosphere of renewed energy and dynamism, where fight against

corruption is being taken as a national duty. Increase in the number of complaints also reflects enhanced public trusted in the NAB. The PILDAT in its report supports the position stated above as 42% people trusted NAB against 30 % for police and 29 % for government officials. The recent report of Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) has improved 9 points. Pakistan has role model for SAARC countries in eradication of corruption and made first Chairman of SAARC countries Anti-Corruption Forum which is a great achievement for Pakistan due to NAB’s efforts. The World Economic Forum and Mishal Pakistan according to Global Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum rated Pakistan from 126 to 122.

gujranwala excise collects Rs80.883m pt T

SIALKOT

SALeeM AwAn SHeikHu www.customsbulletin.com

he Excise and Taxation Department of Gujranwala Division has collected Rs80.883million following the imposition of property tax and collected Rs55.344million as motor tax during January 2017.

Reliable sources told Customs Today that Excise and Taxation Department Gujranwala Division has generated Rs30.255million property tax from Gujranwala Division during said month.

Sources said the Excise collected Rs2.220million from Sialkot against the assigned target of Rs4.540million whereas the Gujrat Excise Department did Rs2.099million by achieving its target of Rs4.50million. Sialkot has been assigned the target of Rs7.2 while it collected Rs3.08million.

However Director Excise and Taxation Department Gujranwala Division Sohail Arshad has constituted various teams to crack down on defaulters of property tax. The

team, comprising Inspectors Malik Riaz, Asad Ullah, Shabbir Ahmed, Gulzar and others, will recover tax from defaulters. Meanwhile, the motor registration branch of the Excise and Taxation Department Gujranwala Region, including its

districts of Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, HaQizabad, Narowal and Mandi Bahawaldin, has received Rs29.353million as motor registration fees against the assigned target of Rs34million during November and December. The Excise

and Taxation Department earned Rs32.290million from Gujranwala against the assigned target of Rs40.60 while Excise and Taxation Department Sialkot collected Rs2.022million against the assigned target of Rs5.21million.

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ATIR postpones hearing of case filed by M/s Shalimar Recording Company ISLAMABAD: A bench of the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) adjourned the hearing of M/s Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company for Wednesday.

ATIR Accountant Member Dr Ghulam Mujtaba Bhatti heard the case. The bench adjourned the hearing of the matter for further arguments. The company had contested a show cause notices issued by the field offices of the Federal Board of Revenue. According to details, M/s Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company had challenged recovery notice issued to it under the head of outstanding income tax by the LTU, Islamabad. M/s Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company had submitted the department had issued the demand for the tax year 2014 in head of income tax under provisions of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

M/s Dawlance, clearing agent fined Rs250000 for evading customs duty KARACHI

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dditional Collector Adjudication Shafique Ahmed Latki imposed penalties of Rs200000 and Rs50000 on M/s Dawlance Private Limited and clearing agent M/s Omal Sons Corporation respectively for evading customs duty through mis-declaration under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

He also ordered timely recovery of evaded amount. According to details, DG (I&I) of Enforcement Division got some tip-offs from reliable sources which hinted at the involvement of few importers in the import and clearance of chemical Wannate PM-2010 (Polymeth-

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ylene, Polyphenylene and Isocyanate), a Polymeric MDL classifiable under the PCT 3909.3000, alluring 20 percent customs duty through mis-declaration of the PCT 3824.9091. It is pertinent to mention here that two consignments, declared to be Wannate PM-2010 (Polymethylene, Polyphenylene, Isocyanate) imported by M/s Dawlance, were cleared through customs agent named M/s Omal Sons Corporation under the claimed PCT head 3824.9091 having relaxation of customs duty @ zero percent through online computerized system of Custom under Free Trade Agreement.

The consignments were taken into custody. During the examination, the goods were found to be brown colored liquid. Later, samples were sent to the HEJ Laboratory which reported that the goods were not unadulterated MDI but was a collection of Methylene Diphenyl Isocyanate (MDI) 37.39 percent and Polymethylene, Polyphenylene and Polyisocyanate (polymeric MDI) 62.61 percent which is classifiable under the PCT head 3909.3000.

National

fBR needs to take new steps to raise quantum of direct taxes: khawar Rasheed D LAHORE

M HAYAt

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irect taxes are more progressive as they are collected directly from those who have the ability to pay whereas indirect taxes are passed on to the end consumers and their impact on the relatively poorer sections of society is more in percentage’s terms than on the richer households. In the given conditions, the FBR needs to identify the shortcomings of the taxation system and take new measures to raise the quantum of direct taxes in the total revenue collection.

These views were expressed by Pakistan Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and Industry Director and Lahore Chamber of Commerce’s former Executive Member Khawaja Khawar Rasheed while talking to Customs Today.

He said Pakistan’s tax structure is overly dependent on indirect taxes.

However on account of various tax reforms, the proportion of direct taxes has risen in recent years. Indirect taxes, which accounted for 68.5 percent of the total taxes collected in Financial Year 2006, came down to 60pc in 2015, he informed, adding

on the other hand, direct taxes increased from 32pc in 2005 to 40pc in 2016. In advanced economies, revenue collection shows a preponderance of direct taxes over indirect taxes as the state taxes the rich to help the poor, Rasheed said. But in our case the balance is tilted in the reverse direction, quoting Qigures from a recent report, he said that available tax Qigures show that revenue collection on account of direct taxes stood at Rs1191billion out of the total net revenue of Rs3112bil-

Friday February 10, 2017

lion in the last Qiscal year.

On the other hand, direct tax collection stood at Rs1033billion out of the total net revenue collection of Rs2589.9billion. Tax collection on account of Federal Excise Duty was Rs190billion out of the total revenue collection of Rs3112billion in 201516 as compared to Rs162.5billion in total revenue collection of Rs2589.9billion in the preceding year.

But customs duty collection saw a rise amounting to Rs406.2billion during the last Qiscal year.

Deputy collector Asma issues notice to vehicle smuggling suspect FAISALABAD

iQRA SHeHZADi

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eputy Collector Customs Adjudication Asma Hameed issued a show cause notice to the owner of a non-duty paid Hiace van. Reportedly, the customs intelligence team intercepted a Hiace van bearing registration No: LEI-16-2695 near Sargodha Road for checking and asked the driver, who was identified as Mansoor Arif Khan, to show the documents regarding legal import and possession of the vehicle but he remained failed to produce any required documents.

The customs officials impounded the non-duty paid vehicle and sent the case to the Customs Adjudication for further legal action against the suspect. The adjudication directed the accused to file reply on the next hearing of date. The seizing authority was also directed to file reply in this regard. The adjudication also directed deputy collector Muhammad Rizwan to attend the hearing along with relevant record.

The customs adjudication issued notice to accused person on the violation of Section 10-A, 89(1) and 156(1) of the Customs Act, 1969 and directed the accused to file his reply by given time.

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Dg Valuation revises values of plain decorative paper

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KARACHI

wAQAR AHMeD AnSARi www.customsbulletin.com

he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of raw plain decorative paper ruler through Valuation Ruling No 1025/2017 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969.According to details, The Customs values of raw plain decorative paper were circulated vide VDB letter No.111 dated 02.12.2016.

Certain importers have requested to convert the same in a Valuation Ruling.

An exercise was conducted to determine Customs values of Raw Plain Decorative Paper in line with current price trend in the international market.

Stakeholder’s participation in determination of Customs values Stakeholders’ meeting was scheduled on 01-02-2017. All participants were requested to submit the following documents Invoices of imports during last three months showing factual value, websites, names and Email addresses of known foreign manufacturers of the item in question through which the actual current value can be ascertained, Copies of Contracts

made / LCs opened during the last three months showing the value of item in question.

Copies of Sales Tax Invoices issued during last three months showing the difference in price (excluding duty and taxes) to substantiate that the benefit of difference in price is passed on to the local buyers.

The meeting was attended by several importers of raw plain decorative paper The importers requested that the prices of the subject commodity were lower in the international market as compared to the values circulated vide VDB letter 111 dated 02-12-2016 which kOt4s were

actually values of a different type of quality and color import of, Which is less Lompared to total quantity of import of raw plain decorative paper.

They brought along Different samples and explained that prices varied considerably according to colour, quality and quantity, of the. Raw Plain Decorative Paper imported.

They further submitted that a single value may be notified for different types of import of Raw Plain Decorative Paper on average values which will ensure smooth clearance and also protect the government revenue.

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Iran, Denmark trade turnover jumps Friday February 10, 2017

World

TEHRAN: Mutual trade turnover between Iran and Denmark has increased by 60 percent in the current fiscal year (started March 2016), Mohammad Reza Bakhtiari, Tehran Chamber of Commerce deputy head for international affairs, said. He made the remarks while commenting on the ongoing visit of a delegation from the chamber to the European country, Mehr news agency reported Feb. 2. The trade turnover has increased from $120 million to $190 million in the current fiscal year, following the removal of the international sanctions against Tehran in January 2016, he said.

Bakhtiari further said that Denmark’s Danske Bank was the first European bank to start cooperation with Iran in post-sanctions era, adding that the bank has allocated a credit of 7.5 billion.

Boc seizes p20 million smuggled iphones

cigarette smuggling pair nabbed in SA CAPE TOWN

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MANILA

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ureau of Customs (BoC) agents uncovered Sunday misdeclared shipments of hundreds of iPhone worth R20 million at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

The shipment, according to Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon, came from China and was bound for Fairview, Quezon City.

But upon arrival at the MICP, BoC agents confirmed the alert they received a week ago about the shipment of high-end cellular phones. Originally, the shipment was declared to be containing wall clock, furniture shoe rack, and some shoes, according to Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Neil Estrella. However, when BoC agents examined the shipment, they

china’s foreign minister visits Australia hina’s foreign minister will meet with Julie Bishop during a visit to Australia next week. Wang Yi will hold talks with his Australian counterpart when he visits Australia and New Zealand from February 7 to 10. “Visiting Australia and New Zealand at the beginning of the Chinese New Year highlights the importance China gives to growing relations with these two countries,” China foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Saturday.

The trip comes amid simmering global tensions over the South China Sea, with some Trump administration officials recently ramping up rhetoric around denying China access to its artificial and militarised islands. “We are also committed to maintaining peace and stability of the relevant areas alongside regional countries,” Lu Kang said. –CB Report

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found more or less 400 pieces of iPhones hidden and concealed in sacks mingled with the declared goods. According to Estrella, the shipment was initially put on alert after lawyer Zsae Carrie de Guzman of the Intellectual Property Rights Division received reports for possible violation of Republic

Act No. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

The shipment was placed under surveillance for a week until it arrived January from China on board vessel Elba Island V. 1700IS. Faeldon said that the shipment was later put on hold until discovery.

Dutch group Levarht to co-invest in “biggest” nZ avocado orchard

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utch company Levarht has been given the green light to co-invest in what is reported to be New Zealand’s largest proposed avocado orchard, according to local media Stuff.

Harbour Edge Avocados, which is 50% owned by capsicum grower Southern Paprika, applied to the Overseas Investment OfQice (OIO) to buy a 405-hectare dairy farm in the Kaipara District for NZS$8 million (US$5.8 million), where it intends to plant the or-

chard. Because Southern Paprika is half owned by Dutch company Levarht, the sale had to be approved by the OIO, the publication reported.

Avocados New Zealand chief executive Jen Scoular was quoted as saying it was proof of the “huge interest” in avocado growing, adding that “once it is fully planted it will be the biggest orchard in the country.” Around 100,000 trees are due to be planted, which will produce 5,000 metric tons (MT) of avocados annually. –CB Report

wo Zimbabwean men were last week arrested in Limpopo Province, South Africa, for smuggling into the neighbouring country, a contraband of export quality cigarettes worthabout R140 000. William Mawere (19) and Godknows Phedzi (24) tried to evade arrest in Polokwane City when they were involved in a road accident and sped-off when approached by trafQic police. They were later cornered by that country’s organised crime police unit, the Hawks, along the R521 road which leads to Dendron.

Hawks spokesperson for Limpopo province Captain Matimba Maluleke said the duo appeared at Polokwane Magistrate Court yesterday where they were denied bail. He said the two were charged for smug-

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gling and will appear again in court on February 8.

“Mawere and Phedzi were arrested after we made a follow up on information about a car which was involved in an accident in Polokwane, but did not stop.

“The vehicle reportedly took the R521 road towards Dendron until it was stopped by a follow up team along the same road. “Upon searching the car, illicit cigarettes valued at R141 427 were found in the car and both men were arrested,” he said.

Capt Maluleke said the contraband and the vehicle they had used in committing the crime had since been conQiscated pending further investigations. Meanwhile, SARS Customs made a massive seizure of suspected counterfeit sneakers to the value of R8,7 million at Lebombo border post early on Monday morning. A total of 9085 pairs of ‘Adidas’branded sneakers and 1850 pairs of ‘Nike’-branded sneakers were discovered in a white truck entering South Africa.

Vpg aims for B10b in revenue by 2021

et Products Group (VPG), one of Thailand’s top three animal food supplementary and pharmaceuticals producers, expects its revenue to jump Qivefold to 10 billion baht by 2021, up from 2 billion in 2016. A local producer of feed products for swine, ruminant species, poultry and aquatic animals said the huge revenue growth would be from new markets abroad such as South Asia, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Those new markets are intended to be penetrated this year, on top of its current markets in the Greater Mekong Subregion, China and the Philippines.

Managing director Dr Tanin Sheewapalaboon said the big jump in revenue would stem from the company’s research and development (R&D) efforts over the past two years to produce new animal feed products. Last year, it set up a wholly-owned subsidiary, VET Product Research and Innovation Center Co (VRI), by spinning off its R&D department from its production and sales department in order to facilitate more research. Budget for R&D was increased to 2-3% of total revenue. The number of researchers and technicians was also increased for its in-house. –CB Report

Saudis to raise $10 billion ahead of Armco ipo

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RIYADH

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audi Arabia’s oil giant Saudi Aramco has hired four banks as advisers to its Qirst bond sale, possibly by June this year, ahead of a planned initial public offering next year, Bloomberg reported on Monday, quoting people familiar with

the matter. Aramco has picked HSBC Holdings’ local unit HSBC Saudi Arabia, as well as Riyad Capital, to advise it on the sale of riyal-denominated Islamic bonds, the so-called sukuk, before the end of the Qirst half this year.

In addition, NCB Capital Co and Alinma Investment Co are also said to be working on the sukuk sale, which is part of Saudi Aramco’s

plans to generate US$10 billion in bond sale proceeds in 2017, according to one of Bloomberg’s sources. The sukuk issue could be followed by a dollar-denominated bond sale, according to others.

Aramco’s possible bond sale would follow the Saudi Arabian government’s huge US$17.5 billion bond issue in October last year, which became the largest-ever emerging

market bond sale and attracted orders from investors totaling nearly four times that amount.

Apart from setting up talks with possible advisers for a bond issue, Saudi Aramco recently made the headlines with reports that an external audit of its oil reserves had conQirmed that the Saudi oil giant has more than 261 billion barrels of reserves.

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NAB’s quarterly profit down 1% as costs bite

World Customs

CANBERRA: National Australia Bank has doubled down on its commitment to keep slashing costs, with a jump in expenses during the December quarter further highlighting the sector’s growth challenge. The bank reported cash earnings of $1.6 billion in the December quarter, 1 per cent lower than the prior corresponding period. Revenue increased just 1 per cent during the period in an operating environment NAB described as having “some challenges”. The weaker earnings result has been sheeted back to a 5 per cent increase in expenses flowing from salary increases, redundancies, compliance and project costs.

Alleged indon people smuggler in court n alleged kingpin of Indonesia’s people smuggling network has faced court over organising a boat on which Australian officials allegedly paid crew more than $US30,000 ($A39,633) to turn back from New Zealand.

Captain Bram’s involvement with the boat at the centre of the cash for turnback scandal began when he met the alleged “mastermind” of the failed journey in 2014, prosecutors told Rote Ndao Court on Wednesday.

By early 2015, Kugan, also known as Vishvanathan Thineshkumar, asked Bram to find a boat, crew and captain which would be used to transport people to New Zealand. Bram, whose real name is Abraham Louhenapessy, was allegedly given 1.5 billion rupiah ($A150,000) to carry out the directions.

He recruited others, who linked him up with a boat, captain and crew. Those willing to make the journey were told they would make up to 150million rupiah ($A15,000) if they were successful in getting to New Zealand. –CB Report

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Russia to ban imports of nZ’s beef he Russian agricultural safety watchdog has announced that it will temporarily ban imports of beef from New Zealand from 6 February. The ban is being introduced following the feed additive ractopamine being found in some samples of beef, the Russian agricultural safety watchdog has said. Ractopamine promotes muscle growth and is a derivative of angel dust. It is not registered for use in New Zealand, as well as around 160 other countries worldwide, including the EU, Russia and China. The Russian agricultural safety watchdog has also announced that a ban on fish imports from New Zealand is being considered, following traces of mercury being found in some samples. New Zealand is not included in the Russian trade embargo introduced in 2014 on western food imports, in retaliation for western countries imposing sanctions on Russia. –CB Report

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uS man charged with Sydney cocaine imports

WASHINGTON

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US resident has been arrested and charged in Sydney for his alleged role in an international cocaine smuggling syndicate. The 47-year-old man was arrested near Sydney Airport on Thursday after arriving in the country earlier in the week, and charged with three counts of importation of a marketable quantity of cocaine using airfreight and mail systems.

Thursday’s arrest comes after two men were charged in a June raid Sydney’s west in connection to the

same syndicate.

Meanwhile, US ethanol exports to China, which were at an all-time high in 2016, are likely to dry up in the coming year thanks to a 30% import tariff, according to industry sources.

“You’re not going to get the trade Qlow to happen,” an analyst at a biofuels trading company said. “You’re not going to be able to export there.”

China was one of the top buyers of US ethanol in 2016. The US exported a total of 678.1 million liters of ethanol to China through November, according to US Census Bureau data.

Nearly 100% of that volume was fuel-grade ethanol at 677.7 million liters. But with the higher tariff, exports to China are unlikely. Another source struck a more optimistic

tone. “If US prices stay low, it may work out even with 30% import duty,” he said. He added the arbitrage might work better “in summers, after maintenance is over and Brazil is back in production.” China announced December 23 that it would adjust tariffs on several imports, including ethanol. Ethanol imports received a tentative 5% tariff in 2016, but the 2017 tariff has been restored to 30% as of January 1, according to China’s ministry of Qinance. News of the tariff immediately stiQled exports to China. Some cargoes for late in the Qirst quarter were canceled and sources said nothing is currently booked to go to China. “What they’re doing on ethanol and DDGS (dried distillers grains.

Friday February 10, 2017

wind earnings up 93% in 2016 at Dong ong Energy’s wind business has outranked the utility’s earnings from oil and gas for the first time, with pre-tax earnings (Ebitda) of DKK 11.9bn (€1.6bn) for its last financial year, almost double the previous year’s total. Germany’s Gode Wind projects are now contributing to Dong’s wind earnings. Germany’s Gode Wind projects are now contributing to Dong’s wind earnings.

The rise in wind’s earnings is attributed to the commissioning of the 258MW Burbo Bank Extension in the UK’s Irish Sea, and completion of the 582MW Gode Wind 1 & 2 sites in Germany, after a delay in the transmission connection. “Ebitda for 2017 is expected to be split more or less evenly between wind farm operations and construction contracts and divestment gains,” stated the company’s financial report. Dong expects to complete a 50% divestment in the 660MW Walney Extension project in 2017. “From 2021 to 2025, it is our ambition to continue the value creating expansion and to reach an installed capacity of 11-12GW by the end of 2025,” said Dong CEO Henrik Poulsen. For the first time, Dong reported its oil and gas assets as discontinuing operations, ahead of a planned sell-off of its fossil fuel assets. The firm also announced plans to remove all coal-based generation from its portfolio by 2023. –CB Report

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High norway salmon prices see January sales to eu drop

S OLSO

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ales of Norwegian salmon to Europe dropped in January, as higher prices start to hit consumers, according to a release from the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC). According to NSC, Norway exported 70,100 metric tons of salmon worth NOK 5.3 billion ($64.24 million) in January, down NOK 1.1bn, or 25%, year-on-year.

Export volumes to the EU dropped

by 5,400t, whilst the total decline in volume across all markets was 2,700t. The value of salmon exports increased by NOK 1.1bn or 25%, compared with January last year.

“The start of the 2017 seafood year has been marked by a reduced supply of salmon from Norway and continuing high prices. It helps that less salmon has been sold in Europe, whilst more salmon is en route to the US and Asian markets,” said Geir Havard Hanssen, communications director with NSC. In January 2016, the average price for fresh whole

salmon was NOK 55.56 per kilogram. In January this year, the price rose to NOK 72.37/kg.

Poland, France and Denmark were the biggest importers of Norwegian salmon. Reduced availability and high prices have impacted the supply of salmon in key European export markets. In Spain salmon has been displaced at the counter by other species of Qish.

“The Spanish are fond of seafood and they have a wide variety to choose from. At the beginning of 2016 salmon enjoyed a large share

of seafood counters. As prices have risen, this share has reduced, in favor of other seafood products,” said Hilde Gunn Osmundsvag, Qisheries delegate to Spain with NSC. High salmon prices have contributed to a greater proportion of packaged or processed salmon being exported to Europe. The portion size is smaller with a higher consumer price tag.

“We see examples of products from fresh salmon in Germany that have risen by nearly 30% since October 2016. Prices have been as high as NOK 300/kg for pre-packaged salmon.

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LHC disposes of drug smugglers case Friday February 10, 2017

Lahore

LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) has disposed of bails of six drug smugglers and accepted bails of four drug smugglers due to drug smuggling in very small quantity. Under the supervision of Justice Waqas Rauf Mirza two members bench heard the bails applications of appellant.

The counsel of appellants Ghulam Fareed, Manzoor Ahmed, Zeshan Ali, Liaqat Ali, Shahbaz Anwar and Babar authorities have registered fake cases against the appellants and he was plead before the court for bail in drug smuggling case.

The counsels of appellant argued before the court that the police had not eye witness and registered baseless cases of drug smuggling against the appellant.

customs Appellate tribunal adjourns hearing of 10 cases LAHORE

SAJiD nAwAZ

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he Customs Appellate Tribunal division bench-II comprising Judicial Member Omer Arshad Hakeem and Member Technical Imran Tariq heard 10 cases and adjourned all the cases until the next hearing.

The Customs Appellate Tribunal adjourned the hearing of 10 cases, including Customs Multan versus Kokab Enterprises, Nazar Hussain versus customs Multan, Abdul Hashim versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Lahore, Abdul Rehman versus customs Multan.

On Tuesday, the tribunal heard cases of Royal Manufacturing versus customs Lahore, Muhammad

LHc declares fBR 2015 audit policy null and void he Lahore High Court (LHC) has suspended the 2015-Audit Policy introduced by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The court also ordered the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to set new principals for the selection of taxpayers’ cases for audit.

According to details, Justice Shahid Jameel Khan heard the case and issued the detailed judgment of 46 pages on the applications filed by about 829 taxpayers in the LHC. The court mentioned in the detailed judgment that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) should increase the capacity of the department to conduct the audit of those taxpayers’ cases which have been lingering on the last five years. The court also ordered the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to not select the cases for audit whose audits have already been conducted, and the FBR should follow these guidelines after issuance of an audit report. –Sajid Nawaz

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Ashraf versus customs Faisalabad, Malik Fawad versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Lahore, Maxi Inch versus Customs Valuation Lahore.

Furthermore, the tribunal heard Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Faisalabad versus Arif Abdullah, Ali Alias versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Lahore and Hajji Muhammad versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Multan.

In all the cases, the representatives of the appellants and respondents appeared before the court and argued in favor of their respective parties. After hearing the arguments from the parties, the Customs Appellate Tribunal reserve verdict in case of Syed Rehan Zaidi versus customs Lahore and adjourned all the other cases until the next hearing.

customs impounds smuggled hardware items worth Rs 30m

LAHORE

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irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation has seized smuggled hard-

fto hears case filed M/s capital industries pvt against cRto Lahore

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he Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has adjourned the hearing of case Qiled by M/s Capital Industries Private Limited against Corporate Regional Tax OfQice (CRTO) Lahore until the next date.

According to the details, FTO Mian Munawar Ghafoor heard the case in which the counsel for the appellant Hashim Aslam Butt argued that the Corporate Regional Tax OfQice (CRTO), Zone-IV had failed to release the tax refund of the last two years claimed by the

company.

He said that the RTO collected excessive tax from M/s Capital Industries Private Limited during the last two years. He approached the commissioner concerned many times for issuance of refunds but the CRTO ofQicials did not pay the refunds after the passage of reasonable time. At the end, the company decided to approach the FTO seeking interference in this case. The counsel appealed the FTO advisor to direct the CRTO to clear the refund claims. –Sajid Nawaz

ware tools and other accessories worth Rs 30 million from a godown at the Naseerabad College Road.

Sources told Customs Today that a team of anti-smuggling team organization, on the directions of Director Intelligence and Investigation Zeba Hai Azhar, raided the godown and seized non-customs paid hard-

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ware items worth Rs 30 million. The items involved duty and taxes evasion of Rs 1.8 million.

The sources said that on information that a trader Kamran Muzafar was stocking the illegally imported items.

The sources added that the hardware items seized in the incident, included 388 bundles of grinding disc, 336 bundles of PVC pipe, 50 cartons of measurement tape, 30 cartons of brush cup and welding rods holders. The sources said that the trader had evaded over Rs1.8 million duty and taxes and has hidden the illegal goods in the godown.

The sources said that on the directions of the director the customs intelligence and investigation anti-smuggling team has registered a case and started further investigation. The sources said that it was informed to the customs authorities that following the modus operandi a large number of traders have resorted to store illegal hardware items and the customs I&I was after them to discover the other godown to save the national exchequer.

customs court hears 17 cases

he Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling on Thursday heard 17 cases, including pre-arrest bail pleas Qiled by suspects. Most of the cases were adjourned without any proceedings as the parties and lawyers concerned did not appear in the court.

Hearing of pre-arrest bail pleas were adjourned for new dates in next week. A case against Ali was also scheduled for hearing in which court recorded statements of the parties. Ali is on bail nowadays.

Framing of charges against Humayon Rasheed also adjourned for next week.

Final arguments and statements of the concerned parties in a case of smuggling against was also scheduled for hearing which is rescheduled for next week.

Meanwhile, The Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling heard 11 important cases on and adjourned the all until the next hearing. total 11 cases of different types were scheduled for hearing, including indictment against the accused in a mobile smuggling case. The cases, including tax evasion, customs, smuggling and narcotics, were scheduled for the day. – M Imran Mehar

pcA detects tax evasion of by M/s int’l tarpal House

D LAHORE

M HAYAt

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irectorate of Post Clarence Audit (PCA) has summoned M/s International Tarpal House, Landa Bazar, Lahore in duty and tax evasion of Rs10,376,718 on the import of tarpaulin. According to details, Post Clearance Audit observed

that the import clearances data against HS Code 6306.1210 effected from various Model Customs Collectorate during the calendar years 2012 and 2013 revealed that inadmissible concession of sales tax and Value Added Sales Tax under the SRO 1125(0)/2011 dated 31.12.2011, wrongfully availed on the import of Tarpaulin i.e. sun shedding which is specifically ex-

cluded from that ambit of said SRO and hence was not entitled for such benefit under the said SRO. It has been observed that importer had imported various consignments consisting of tarpaulin and got it cleared under PCT heading 6306.1210 with inadmissible concession under SRO 1125(I/201 1, dated 31.12.2011. Hence, it was said that the importers have short

paid an amount 10,376,718 sales tax, additional sales tax and income tax due to wrongful, concession under the SRO I 125(D/2011 dated 31.12.2011. The importer was asked to pay above mentioned short paid amount of duty/ taxes within 10 days of receipt of this letter positively. The importer was told in case they do not agree with the audit observation.

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Shipping activity at Port Qasim KARACHI: Three ships C.V Northern Magnum, C.V MSC Albany and M.V Thalassini carrying containers and canola seeds were allotted berths at Qasim International Container Terminal and Grain and Fertilizer Terminal respectively on Tuesday.

Meanwhile three more ships Al-Rekayyat, Zealand Ariane and Harmony-1 with LNG, Clinker and Furnace oil also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim (PQ) during last 24 hours.

Berth occupancy was observed at the Port at 47% on Tuesday where a total of seven ships namely Northern Magnum, MSC Albany, Teo, Thorco Manatee, Thalassini, White Purl and AlMukhtarah are currently occupying berths to load/offload Containers, General Cargo, Slag, Canola Seeds, LPG and Furnace oil respectively during last 24 hours.

State oks $4.5m for upgrades at new London’s port he state Bond Commission on Wednesday approved $4.5 million in funding to the Connecticut Port Authority for repairs and improvements at the Port of New London, something authority board Chairman Scott Bates called an “important down payment on moving our maritime economy ahead in Connecticut.” The funds will be used to improve lighting, security measures and repair of some of the docks that have fallen into disrepair, along with some improvements to take advantage of the upcoming upgrades to the adjacent Central New England rail line. “It’s important news for southeastern Connecticut and the whole state,” Bates said.

“This is a real investment to improve the core infrastructure of the State Pier.” The port is one of three deep water ports in the state and consists of the Adm. Harold E. Shear

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Ports & Shipping

Friday February 10, 2017

Aklan province to develop cargo port in Boracay

port director confident of meeting jobs requirement

WASHINGTON

he director of Mississippi’s port authority says the port of Gulfport has created 425 of the 1,300 new jobs required in exchange for $570 million in federal assistance granted after Hurricane Katrina. Jonathan Daniels discussed the progress Tuesday at a Gulfport Chamber of Commerce meeting.

The Sun Herald reports (http://bit.ly/2kdZqOI) that the federal money has been used since 2008 to restore and expand the port’s West Pier.

The project, previously scheduled to be finished in the first quarter of 2017, is one year behind schedule. Daniels, who came aboard as director three years ago, after the project was well underway, told the Sun Herald construction delays are to be expected at the century-old port. The port’s mainstay tenants, he said, have been accommodating about continuing operations during construction. Under Daniels’ leadership, a number of new tenants have come aboard and the port has expanded into the oil services business. –CB Report

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he Aklan provincial government will develop a port for cargo boats and barge in Barangay Manocmanoc of this resort island. Jetty Port Administrator Niven Maquirang said the development was part of the agreement between the provincial government and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). PPA just recently signed a memorandum of agreement, giving the authority to the province to manage its ports.

Part of the development, Maquirang said, was the construction of two ramps for the docking of boats. He said the PPA had already surveyed the location of the proposed port development. Once completed, the port will be turned over to the Department of Transportation and Communication and later to Aklan Provincial Government.

Once the jurisdiction is given to the provincial government, it can already decide if the port operation

will be turned over to the Local Government Unit of Malay and to Barangay Manoc-Manoc. The said port development will be beneQicial for the business sector because of the easy transport of goods and commodities to the island.

Meanwhile, Whether you rely on a little science or just a little luck, it’s time to make your guess in the Port of Green Bay’s First Ship Contest. In this annual contest, the Port of Green Bay asks the community to guess the date and time of the Qirst

ship’s arrival at the Port. If your guess is closest to the actual date and time of the Qirst ship in the 2017 shipping season, you’ll win bragging rights and a prize package. “This tradition began years ago and continues today because, even with modern technology, no one can predict exactly when that very Qirst ship will arrive,” said Dean Haen, Port and Resource Recovery Director. “Due to weather and other shipping factors, there is no scheduled start date of the shipping season.

Abu Dhabi ports aim to achieve 55pc emiratisation State Pier, more commonly known as State Pier, and the Central Vermont Railroad Pier, or C.V. Pier.

State Pier is expected to generate $568,000 in revenue through its lease to Logistec USA Inc., which manages the entire site. Another component of the Port Authority’s plans is to provide a fishermen’s terminal, or a nonsecure separate entrance that allows for 24-hour access for fishermen now working at the C.V. Pier. “They can’t do that now,” Port Authority Director Evan Matthews said. “They come and go subject to the facility’s security plan.” Everything on the Port Authority’s property is behind a fence and accessed through a single security checkpoint. –CB Report

W ABU DHABI

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ith the aim of attracting Emirati talent aspiring to lead the dynamic operations of ports and industrial zones, Abu Dhabi Ports, is participating at Tawdheef 2017 which is being held between 30 January and 1 February at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). As part of its participation at Tawdheef, Abu Dhabi Ports will unveil tens of new job opportunities that are available for Emiratis within its operational and managerial departments in order to elevate the role of Emirati talent in managing and operating its ports.

The company will also present its training and development programmes that target the Nation’s ambitious youth.

Abdullah Al Hameli, Executive Vice President of Corporate Support,

at Abu Dhabi Ports, commented: “Abu Dhabi Ports actively seeks to fulQil the vision of our wise leadership by enabling local youth and championing their training and development in order to lead the dynamic operations of the ports sector in Abu Dhabi in line with the Capital’s economic development plan.

During the three-day event, we will exhibit our tailor-made mentoring, training and development programmes which were designed to develop Emirati talents while offering tens of jobs available in our port operations, Qinance, management and services departments, alongside Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD).” 76 Emiratis joined Abu Dhabi Ports in 2016 which has resulted in achieving 54 per cent in Emiratisation last year, exceeding the initially targeted 51 per cent and the company aims to reach 55 per cent of Emiratisation in 2017. On the

other hand, Emiratis represent 327 employees from the total workforce at Abu Dhabi Ports, 144 of which are females making 80 per cent of the company’s female population. “Abu Dhabi Ports is committed to attracting a local cadre. As such, we ensure participating at this annual event as we develop steadily and surely with major future projects that drive our commitment to nurturing and developing our local talent in such a vital industry. I encourage our local youth to join the maritime sector and consider the promising careers we are offering during Tawdheef given the major evolution our region is witnessing which creates great and constant demand for specialised professionals,” Al Hameli added. Abu Dhabi Ports focuses on technical roles relevant to maritime operations and offers a number of programmes that attract local talent and develop their skills. Abu Dhabi Ports’

employees are trained to become mentors to guide and support new Emirati joiners.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Ports, one of only nine organisations to offer certiQied courses by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation & Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) worldwide, has conducted its Qirst IALA Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Level-2 training course to a group of external trainees from organisations and companies that provide maritime and offshore services in the UAE. The training course is based on IALA Level-2 Model Courses, the highest internationally accredited navigational standard, and was delivered to seven employees from the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA) and Abu Dhabi Petroleum Ports Operating Company (IRSHAD) by Abu Dhabi Marine Services (Safeen), an operating unit of Abu Dhabi Ports.

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Mianwali ASO seizes smuggled goods worth Rs7.77m FAISALABAD: The Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Mianwali has seized smuggled items worth Rs7.778 million involving customs duty and taxes amounting to Rs1.237 million, Besides impounded vehicle worth Rs3 million being used for smuggling transportation.

Sources told Customs Today that Deputy Collector Muhammad Rizwan received information regarding some smuggling attempts on which he formed a team comprising Superintendent Chaudhary Sardar Muhammad, Muhammad Mansha Muhammad Umar Bhatti.

Friday, February 10, 2017

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

Hyderabad customs generates Rs1009.551m revenue in January2017 HYDERABAD ASLAM AnJuM QuReSHi www.customsbulletin.com

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he Model Customs Collectorate collected Rs1009.551 million in the head of duties and taxes during the month of January 2017 against the assigned target of Rs1220.00 million. According to details, the Collectorate generated revenue of Rs295.209 million as customs duty against the assigned target of Rs221.0 million while in head of sales tax, the Collectorate collected Rs700.958 million against the assigned target of Rs966 million.

Sources said that the Collectorate collected Rs0.782 million in head of federal excise duty (FED) against the assigned target of Rs2.0 million whereas, Rs12.602 million was collected against the target of Rs31 million in head of income tax.

Sources said that during the above said period, the major sources of tax generation for Hyderabad customs remained Hyderabad Dry Port Trust, State Warehouse, Sukkur and Larkana stations, M/s Huffaz Seamless Pipe Industries, M/s Crescent Steel, M/s Omni Polymer Industries, M/s Reema Cooking Oil and Pakistan State Oil. Hyderabad customs staff including Collector

Agha Shahid Majeed, Additional Collector Rehmatullah Vistro, Additional

Collector Omar ShaQique, Deputy Collector Shahid Ali Abbasi, and Superin-

tendent Muhammad Yaqoob Pasha said that they are optimistic to achieve

the assigned revenue target for the current Qiscal year 2016-17.

cAt adjourns hearing of case challenging seizure of mobile phones ISLAMABAD

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he Customs Appellate Tribunal adjourned the hearing of a customs reference Qiled against Model Collectorate of Customs, Islamabad, A division bench of Customs Appellate Tribunal, Muhammad Nasir Khan and Ziauddin Wazire heard the case Qiled recently seeking release of

seized around a dozen mobile phones.

After hearing initial arguments from the appellant, the bench adjournedthe hearing for coming week for further arguments.

The appellant, through the case had challenged an announcement made by adjudication of Model Collectorate of Customs, Islamabad about seizure of mobile phones. Mobile phones Qirst conQiscated by the customs authorities at Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad. The petitioner had brought the mobiles into Pakistan through airport

which MCC had declared illegal and in violation of regulations adopted for carrying mobiles phone in luggage.

The MCC authorities had conQiscated the mobile phones at the airport and subsequently decided not to release them as the petitioner had violated the rules while returning to Pakistan. The case was accepted by the tribunal for hearing and will be decided in coming days. The same bench had already heard a couple of cases involving seizure of mobile phones at the airport. Meanwhile Customs Appellate Tribunal to resume

hearing of couple of customs matters involving Qield ofQices of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Wednesday. Customs Appellate Tribunal’s bench comprising Members Tribunal, Syed Muhammad Anwar and Muhammad Nasir Khan will hear the matters.

M/s Kohinoor Traders, M/s Five Star Trading and M/s Warid Telecom Private Limited had Qiled the references. During the previous hearing counsels from M/s Kohinoor Traders, M/s Five Star Trading appeared before the bench and demanded timed from the bench for Qinalizing preparations for the

Published by M S Raza Off# 42, 3rd Flr Gull Plaza M.A Road Karachi, Printed by Dhoom Printing Building No RY/A, 11/6,11/7, Mashoor Mahal,off I.I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi

case. The bench then had directed the counsels to Qinalized the arguments and relating stuff and then appear before the bench next week. M/s Kohinoor Traders, M/s Five Star Trading had Qiled cases against Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation, Islamabad.

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