The Chinese government has agreed to provide prior information about the details of containers to be transported through Sost Custom Station into Pakistan. Official sources told Business Recorder on Monday that Pakistan would get detailed information about the containers before they move from China so that the authorities will be able to obtain data in advance to avoid physical examination of each and every container passing through Sost.
In this connection, Pakistan and China will sign a pact when Chinese Premier arrives in Pakistan in the coming months. The agreement contains a specific clause pertaining to sharing of custom-related information between the two countries. Both the sides have completed their homework and would start sharing of information after inking of the agreement.
The officials said that the importance of Sost Custom Station is evident from the fact that it would become a transit place for clearance of goods belonging to Central Asian Republics.
Chinese and Pakistani custom authorities have agreed to share data on exports and exchange of import documents in order to help promote cross-border trade and prevent smuggling. The sharing of data with Chinese customs would not only help in checking smuggling but would also be instrumental in building an information base for trade facilitation and promotion of exports.
Collector of Customs, Rawalpindi, Muhammad Nasir-ud-Din Mehboob had held meetings with Chinese customs officials and discussed issues relating to import documentation including Import General Manifest (IGM), bills of entry, invoices and packing lists.
On request from Pakistani side the Chinese customs agreed to provide specific export data to Pakistan Customs station at Sost.
The two sides agreed in principle that Sost Customs officials will match the record of number of containers, their registration numbers and border permits of the drivers with the data provided by Tashkurghan Customs on the Chinese side.
The officials said that Chinese customs has assured Pakistan Customs that export consignments from China would carry complete and correct documentation including IGM, invoice and packing list containing accurate weight and description.