Staff Reporter
The Multan Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement) has seized a huge quantity of smuggled goods worth more than Rs32.14 million during a vigorous counter-smuggling campaign.
The smuggled goods worth more than Rs32.14 million included parachute cloth, medical equipment, tyres, non-Customs-paid vehicles The seizure has been made during the past six days.
The seized goods included: Parachute Cloth; Tyres along with Truck; Tyres Scrap (cut into pieces); Medical equipment loaded on mini truck; Volvo excavator loaded on truck.
Meanwhile, a delegation comprising office-bearers of the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) visited Custom House, Multan.
The delegation included: MCCI President Khawaja Salahuddin; Senior Vice-President Syed Iftikhar Ali Shah; General Secretary Muhammad Shafique; Mian Fazal Elahi Sheikh and Mian Rashid Iqbal.
The MCCI representatives were apprised about the counter-smuggling and export-facilitation measures taken by the Multan Enforcement-Collectorate.
During the discussion, reasons for Pakistan’s high import bill, mainly due to the import of POL and edible oil, came under discussion. It was suggested that the cultivation of oilseed crops including Canola, Soybean and Sunflower should be increased to cater for domestic need for edible oil.
The MCCI office-bearers emphasized upon the need that exports consignments of Multan-based industry should be effected from Multan, instead of Karachi, as it will lower the cost of doing business.
On the occasion, they were informed that the government has had introduced an all inclusive Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) with a special focus on small and medium enterprises. The need for enhanced interaction between Customs and trade community was emphasized.
In the end, the MCCI delegation highlighted the need for conducting awareness seminar on EFS vis-à-vis WeBOC and Pakistan Single Window.
The visitors were apprised that the seminars would be conducted in liaison with the Appraisement Collectorate.
