Containers terminal operators especially QICT have asked the Pakistan Customs to provide required specifications to replace over a decade old scanners to improve cargo handling at ports.
This was disclosed by Faseeh, a representative of DP World, an operator of QICT at a meeting of FPCCI standing committee on customs at Federation House here. He said that presently the terminal was using scanners procured in 2006-07; informing that JICA had now installed single view scanners outside port.
Moreover, he said that the procurement process of advanced scanners worth in millions would be finalised in a year after getting required specifications from customs department.
In his welcome address, Arshad Jamal chairman FPCCI standing committee on customs said that they had convened meetings with 38 departments last year and resolved maximum issues and urged the customs department to increase trained workforce to facilitate the trade with modern techniques.
Moreover he said that unnecessary examination should be stopped to pacify the agitation of the trade and stressed upon the customs department to welcome the initiative of the terminals and facilitate them to procure advanced scanners, which would minimize workload and improve the performance.
Commenting on under-invoicing issue, chairman FPCCI standing committee on customs said that the menace of under-invoicing could not be eliminated until the customs department would reduce its tariff parallel to the smuggling cost in order to encourage traders to use legal means for imports.
Meanwhile, Javeed Chaudry, collector Port Qasim said that CPEC would only produce results if we would be able to match the efficiency level with Chinese workforce.
He said that trade facilitation could only be possible when all stakeholders managed to perform duties properly instead of blaming others; adding that FPCCI should constitute a joint committee comprising all stakeholders including customs, terminals, clearing agents, traders, etc to draft recommendations for FBR regarding the improvement in the system.
Answering the question raised by the Qamar ul Islam chairman FPCCI standing committee on ports and terminals regarding the FTA verification, he said that they would look into the matter and would find possible solution.
Representatives from all terminals, members from All Pakistan Customs Agents Association (APCAA) and others also spoke on the occasion.
Comments
Comments are closed.