KARACHI — Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Acting President of FPCCI, highlighted today the critical need for enhancing the ease of doing business benchmarks at customs appraisement. This development follows a consensus with Mohsin Rafiq, Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement (South), on the imperative to digitalize the customs clearance process swiftly.
Asif Sakhi, VP of FPCCI, emphasized the importance of fair and timely imposition of GST and income tax, crucial for the smooth operation of businesses, industries, and trade activities. Delays at the customs stage escalate demurrages and detention charges, impacting businesses significantly.
“We advocate for a hospitable and facilitative Custom House environment in Karachi,” stated Asif Sakhi, reiterating FPCCI’s stance on improving liaison and compliance. He stressed the urgency of addressing staffing shortages that hinder the 24/7 operation of WeBOC, the automated customs clearance system.
Echoing these sentiments, Aman Paracha, VP of FPCCI, underscored the business community’s readiness to contribute real-time pricing data to customs, free of charge. He urged customs appraisement to integrate these inputs to streamline operations.
Shabbir Mansha, another VP at FPCCI, raised concerns about outdated rules affecting importers, particularly regarding section 203 on wharfage and storage fees. He called for updates to prevent financial losses due to discrepancies or delays.
Addressing clearing agents’ concerns, Khurram Ijaz, FPCCI President’s advisor on FBR affairs, urged against suspending licenses over trivial issues and proposed dedicated focal points for FPCCI within customs appraisement.
In response, Mohsin Rafiq assured stakeholders that efforts are underway to prioritize efficiency and facilitation at customs appraisement. He pledged to implement a state-of-the-art Management Information System (MIS) and resolve human resource shortages to enhance service delivery.
The FPCCI remains committed to bridging the gap between stakeholders and advocating for reforms that promote a conducive business environment.