MoC takes step to forestall possibility of any zoonotic transmission

Ministry of Commerce (MOC) has imposed a ban on the import of any zoonotic (animal, birds, etc.) till further advise in order to prevent spreading coronavirus in Pakistan. According to a notification, the ban on the import of any zoonotic (animal, birds, etc.) with immediate effect was imposed on the recommendation of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MNHSR&C).

The MNHSR&C has informed the MOC that the origin of recent outbreak of Novel type of Coronavirus (2019-NCoV) has been traced to the zoonotic in nature, which may potentially undermine the government's efforts to prevent the spread of said disease in Pakistan.

Keeping the said recommendation in view, it has been ordered to take immediate steps to implement the said ban on the imports of zoonotic (animals, birds, etc.) in Pakistan.

Similarly, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also suggested imposing a ban on the export of N95 face mask and hand gloves outside Pakistan from land, sea and air routes forthwith and till further order.

Moreover, the Port Health Establishment (PHE) keeping in view the seriousness and sensitivity of the problem and concern of world community also recommended the Pakistan customs not to clear cargos (human and animal origin) imported from the affected areas of China without fumigation. However, the China has stopped shipping consignments, due to new-year holidays and the outbreak of coronavirus in their country.

The exports figures for the month of January 2020 has already shown a decline of 3.4 percent to US$1.96 billion from US$ 2.03 billion reported in corresponding month of last year. Now the exporters are predicting further decline in exports in coming months, due to the suspension of import consignments from China.

They ruled out the possibilities to have more exports opportunity after the epidemic of coronavirus in China, saying that all major export oriented sectors in Pakistan import its raw materials from China and the said Chinese decision has started creating difficulties for them to complete export orders.

Replying to a question, they said that Pakistan could not afford to import raw materials from any other country as it would make Pakistan's exports expensive in international markets.

On the other hand, the prices of all imported goods from clothing to auto parts have jumped to almost 40 to 50 percent due to the said reason because country's imports including raw materials are heavily depending on China.

Meanwhile, Arshad Jamal, Chairman All Pakistan Customs Agents Association (APCAA) said that the clearance of consignments, which arrived earlier from China, was being done in smooth manner and only food products and animal origin cargos were being cleared after fumigation.

He also confirmed the price hike of all imported goods from clothing to auto parts up by 40 to 50 percent in the local markets, saying that traders were minting money and cashing this catastrophic situation in China.

The importers have presently stopped shipments from China to observe the circumstances being developed after the outbreak of coronavirus; he said and added that the situation would be cleared after the Chinese new-year holidays, which would be ending on February 23, 2020.