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  • Iranian delegation urges Pakistan for reducing customs duties for promoting formal trade

    Iranian delegation urges Pakistan for reducing customs duties for promoting formal trade

    KARACHI: Iranian trade delegation has urged Pakistani authorities to bring down customs duties in order to encourage formal trade between the two countries.

    Talking to the members of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Morad Nemati, leader of the Iranian delegation said that in order to improve the trade relations between Pakistan and Iran, it was really essential that steps have to be taken to deal with the barriers hindering smooth trade between the two brotherly countries while the high custom duties need to be brought down to encourage legal trade and discourage smuggling.

    Morad Nemati added that in addition to bringing down the high custom duties, formal banking channel between the two countries has to be activated which was widely being demanded by the business communities of the two countries since quite some time now.

    Commercial Attaché of the Iranian Consulate in Karachi Mahmoud Hajy Yousefi Pour, Vice President Shahid Ismail, Former Vice President Asif Sheikh Javaid, KCCI Managing Committee Members and members of the Iranian delegation from different sectors of the economy were also present on the occasion.

    While referring to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Morad Nemati said that this essential project was going to open up huge opportunities not just for Pakistan but also for Iran and they (Iran) want to become part of this project which would surely ensure prosperity in the entire region.

    He also underscored that that the business communities of the two countries will have to meet more frequently and improve their contacts, besides holding Single Country Exhibitions which would certainly improve trade and investment in both the brotherly countries.

    Morad Nemati, who has also discharged his service as Commercial Attaché of the Iranian Consulate in Karachi, assured full support and cooperation to the business community so that trade could improve further and they collectively explore new avenues trade cooperation.

    Earlier, Vice President KCCI Shahid Ismail, while welcoming the Iranian delegation, stated that despite being brotherly countries, trade remains low hence, Pakistan and Iran must make collective efforts to explore new avenues. It has always been KCCI’s struggle to promote bilateral trade and the Chamber has a very positive approach towards improving trade ties particularly with neighboring countries.

    He pointed out that the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran was much less than the potential as Pakistan exports stood at a mere $330.2 million while the imports were around $1.247 billion during 2018.

    Shahid Ismail noted that the negotiations on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are underway as both the countries have shared their desire of upgrading Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) into Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for which initial drafts have already been shared while the State Bank of Pakistan has also shared draft of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for signing its Banking Paying Arrangement (BPA) with Iran’s Iranian Bank Markazi Jomhouri. Both countries have already signed MoU through which channels would be opened in the central banks of both the countries for trade transactions that would reduce the usage of dollar account for Letter of Credit (LC) clearance.

    He hoped that the desperately needed proper banking channel between Pakistan and Iran becomes a reality soon which would surely boost the existing trade ties.

    Shahid Ismail underscored the need to sort out infrastructural constraints to enhance bilateral trade via Quetta-Taftan land route whereas regular operation of ECO container train will lend impetus to cargo and transit facilities between the two countries. While underscoring the need for a realistic approach, Vice President KCCI said that KCCI was keen to strengthen trade ties with their counterparts in Iran.

  • Kuwait ready to ease visa policy for Pakistani businessmen

    Kuwait ready to ease visa policy for Pakistani businessmen

    KARACHI: Salem Yousif Al-Hamdan, Consul General of Kuwait, has said that his government is ready to ease visa policy for Pakistani businessmen.

    In order further discuss and devise strategies for easing the issuance of business visas, the Kuwaiti Interior Ministry was ready to hold negotiations and in this regard, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior had been approached quite some time ago but unfortunately they have not received any response from them so far, the Kuwaiti Consul General said at a meeting with office bearers of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

    A press release issued by the KCCI on Wednesday quoted the consul general as saying that around 120 communities were living in Kuwait which was the basic reason why Kuwait has to adopt stringent visa policy which was not just for Pakistanis but also for all the foreigners.

    “We want to ease issuance of business visa hence, negotiations must take place between the Interior Ministries of the two friendly countries as soon as possible,” he added.

    Kuwaiti Consul General pointed out that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a very important project which would have a positive impact not only on Pakistan but the entire region.

    “To attract the interest of Kuwaiti business community and other investors from the Gulf, we asked the Government of Balochistan to organize a CPEC Conference in Karachi and we will make sure that this conference is attended not only by the Kuwaiti business community but also by other potential investors from the gulf region,” he said, adding that this conference would help in raising awareness about the significance of CPEC project and provide a perfect opportunity to highlight the immense CPEC-related investment opportunities in Pakistan.

    Salem Al-Hamdan further mentioned that Kuwait has signed many MoUs with different institutions from all provinces in Pakistan while work on some of these MoUs has already begun and the Kuwaiti Investment Authority was also intending to undertake numerous projects in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh province.

    Referring to an MoU signed between Kuwait Chamber and Karachi Chamber, he said that both chambers had excellent relations in the past but with the passage of time, some gap has developed as no interaction was taking place between the two institutions.

    “Hence, I decided to visit KCCI and will certainly be making efforts to restore communication between Kuwait and Karachi Chambers by playing the role of bridge between the two institutions,” he added.

    He said that Pakistan and Kuwait, being brotherly and friendly countries, have been enjoying very old and good relations as many commodities were smoothly being traded while Kuwaitis have very positive sentiments for Pakistanis.

    “The two countries have good trade ties and many Pakistanis have also been working really hard in different sectors of Kuwaiti economy which is a testimony that we both are true friends,” he added.

    Kuwaiti CG was of the opinion that Karachi city, being the financial, trading and industrial center of the Pakistan with two ports, can offer a lot of trade and investment opportunities to Kuwaiti business community but the business communities of both the brotherly countries will have to meet regularly, exchange trade delegations and explore more avenues of trade and investment cooperation.

    Earlier, president KCCI Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, in his welcome address, stated that Karachi, which is the economic hub of Pakistan, offers profitable investment opportunities and added facilities for trade, investment and joint ventures to business and industrial community from Kuwait.

    Karachi city, which contributes more than 70 percent revenue to the national exchequer, is an attractive place for Kuwaiti businessmen, who can surely earn maximum profits by undertaking joint ventures with their Pakistani counterparts.

    Commenting on economic relations between Pakistan and Kuwait, he said that both countries share cordial and healthy bilateral relations based on cooperation in different economic spheres.

    “During 2018, Pakistan exported goods worth $172.69 million to Kuwait as against exports of $166.78 million in 2017, showing a growth of 3.54 percent while our imports from Kuwait witnessed a decline of 4.11 percent to $1.40 billion during 2018 as against imports of $1.46 billion in 2017.”

  • US companies reluctant to visit Pakistan: USDA counselor

    US companies reluctant to visit Pakistan: USDA counselor

    KARACHI: Rey Santella, Agricultural Counselor of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has said although they were inviting the US business community but many of them were still reluctant to visit Pakistan mainly due to negative perception and also because of legal and Information Technology related hurdles that need to be addressed.

    While speaking at a meeting during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), he said that Pakistan had many challenges in the past but the country has been progressing well and the situation was much better now.

    “Good opportunities for US investors exist in Pakistan where they can surely explore trade and investment opportunities in numerous sectors including the agriculture, dairy, food items and animal feeds etc.”

    Rey Santella pointed out that besides exporting meat, soybean and other agricultural products, non-fat dry milk worth US$50 million was also being sent to Pakistan annually.

    “There is a big potential for further expanding trade and investment ties between the two countries but the business communities will have to meet more frequently so that this potential could be realized.

    “Meanwhile, USDA, which is already cooperating in the agriculture sector, is ready to provide technical assistance and training of trainers in the dairy and animal husbandry that would lead to improving the productivity.”

    He sought KCCI’s assistance in identifying numerous trade opportunities so that these could accordingly be focused and disseminated amongst US companies with a view to improve the existing trade ties between the two countries.

    Rey Santella further informed that USDA will be participating in Gulfood Exhibition scheduled to be staged in Dubai in February 2020 where Pakistani companies can visit the stalls of numerous US companies to examine their products and services.

    Earlier, President KCCI Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, in his welcome address, stated that it was really heartening to see many US companies were taking keen interest in Pakistani market hence, it was the right time to fully facilitate and encourage joint ventures between the business communities of the two countries in numerous sectors.

    He was of the opinion that there was a huge potential to enhance trade and investment cooperation between Pakistan and the United States, particularly in the agriculture, dairy, livestock, fisheries etc.

    “We must promote collaborations in all such sectors with huge trade and investment potential which would certainly prove favorable for both the nations”, he added while acknowledging the support and cooperation being extended by USDA.

    He mentioned that Pakistan, being the 4th largest producer of milk, produces around 54 billion liters of milk per annum hence, this was an area where the business communities of the two countries must look for joint ventures while the USDA must extend technical cooperation so that the dairy yield could be improved further.

    Agha Shahab further noted that as US has an advanced agricultural sector while Pakistan’s economy is also agri-based, it is very crucial to cooperate in this particular sector by focusing on exploring ways and means on how to transfer US technology to Pakistan’s agricultural sector, which was facing several issues including limited cultivatable land, water and fertilizer scarcities and also the energy crises.

    “US can provide assistance in enhancing the yield of cultivatable land and you can also share water conservation and energy saving techniques, besides providing good quality fertilizers at competitive prices to Pakistani farmers”, he added.

    He also underscored that instead of staying confined to just sending the same old traditional items only, the business community must look into the possibility of diversifying the exports by exploring new avenues and they must also effectively market their products and services in order to maximize share in the US markets.

  • Banking channel between Pakistan, Iran to become reality soon: KCCI

    Banking channel between Pakistan, Iran to become reality soon: KCCI

    KARACHI: Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Saturday hoped that banking channel between Pakistan and Iran will become reality soon.

    Agha Shahab, President, KCCI said at a meeting with an eight members high level delegation from Iran, which was led by the Managing Director of Milad-e-Noor Ali Mohtassham Amiri .

    Agha Shahab noted that the negotiations on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are underway as both the countries have shared their desire of upgrading Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) into Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for which initial drafts have already been shared while the State Bank of Pakistan has also shared draft of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for signing its Banking Paying Arrangement (BPA) with Iran’s Iranian Bank Markazi Jomhouri.

    Both countries have already signed MoU through which channels would be opened in the central banks of both the countries for trade transactions that would reduce the usage of dollar account for Letter of Credit (LC) clearance.

    He hoped: “the desperately needed proper banking channel between Pakistan and Iran becomes a reality soon which would surely boost the existing trade ties.”

    He was of the opinion that abundant opportunities were available in the Iranian dairy, livestock, meat and beverages sectors for Pakistani traders and investors while Pakistan can also take benefit of Iran’s petrochemical sector.

    Agha Shahab underscored the need to sort out infrastructural constraints to enhance bilateral trade via Quetta-Taftan land route whereas regular operation of ECO container train will lend impetus to cargo and transit facilities between the two countries.

    While underscoring the need for a realistic approach, President KCCI said that KCCI was keen to strengthen trade ties with their counterparts in Iran.

    Managing Director of Milad-e-Noor Ali Mohtassham Amiri, on the occasion expressed the eagerness to improve trade ties with the Pakistani business community which would surely result in further improving the existing trade volume between the countries.

    Managing Director of Milad-e-Noor Ali Mohtassham Amiri stated that they were intending to improve trade ties with Pakistan and if serious efforts are made from both side, Pakistan and Iran can certainly become powerful partners.

    Commercial Attaché of the Iranian Consulate in Karachi Mahmoud Hajy Yousefi Pour, in his short remarks, pointed out that huge potential exists to enhance trade and investment cooperation between the two countries but because of some hurdles, trade was not prospering at the desired pace which requires attention.

    The bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran was much less than the potential as Pakistan exports stood at a mere $330.2 million while the imports were around $1.247 billion during 2018.

  • Qatar to open two more visa centers in Pakistan: envoy

    Qatar to open two more visa centers in Pakistan: envoy

    KARACHI: Consul General of Qatar Mishal Muhammad Ali Al Ansari has said his country will open two more visa centers in Pakistan for facilitating visa processing, a statement said on Friday.

    At a meeting with office bearers of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) that, he said that two Qatari visa centers were already operational in Karachi and Islamabad while two more such centers will also be established in Peshawar and Lahore in future for processing visas of mostly the skilled and semi-skilled labors.

    “Around 150,000 Pakistanis are living in Qatar as compared to around 40,000 Pakistani expats just four years ago,” he said.

    Qatari Envoy further stated that Qatar and Pakistan have been enjoying very old and strong relations since many decades. “We have initiated visa on arrival service for all Pakistanis while Qataris were also benefiting from a similar visa on arrival facility during their visit to Pakistan. Pakistan is exporting fruits, vegetables, fishes, rice, minerals, steel and cement to Qatar and is one of the fastest growing partner of Qatar in the region.”

    He said, “We’ve opened up the country and are looking for partners from all over the world. We’ve also eased the restrictions and regulations for anyone who wants to do business in Qatar. There are numerous sectors where no local Qatari partner is required anymore while Qatari Banks are also fully assisting such foreign investors.”

    Qatari CG pointed out that 90 percent of Qatari imports from Saudi Arabia and Emirates were suspended because of the blockade imposed around two years ago subsequently, they partnered with other countries including Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and India, besides focusing on becoming self-sufficient in numerous sectors.

    “A lot of changes happened in Qatar during the last two years. We are now self-sufficient and not relying on anyone in the dairy, poultry, farming sectors. Our farms have increased production by almost a thousand percent and all the major vegetables are also being grown in Qatar now. Even our fish farms have now tripled as compared to what they were before the blockade”, he added.

    Keeping in view the recent developments, he was fairly optimistic that the blockade would ease up which would create a much better situation for Qatar. “There was an effect, which I cannot deny but now we are doing well without them and with them (Saudi Arabia & Emirates), we will do great”, he said, adding that all the projects were going on smoothly in Qatar as the new expansion of the airport has started while Qatar Airways was also doing very well since the blockade as the airline added 26 new destinations, raising the total number of destination to 160.

    Highlighting the activities underway for the FIFA 2020 World Cup and the Vision 2030, Qatari Consul General stated that preparations for the FIFA world cup were in full swing as a lot of projects are going on in Qatar, of which half of the development work on the subway system has been completed while the construction of two out of six stadiums has also been completed while work on the remaining four football stadiums will also be completed next year.

    Moreover, 80 hotels were also being constructed in Doha while some huge cruise ships will also be arriving in Qatar just for the World Cup which is likely to be attended by millions of people from all over the world. “FIFA World Cup’s spending is almost US$200 billion while under the Vision 2030, around 150 large scale projects worth billions of dollars are to be offered after FIFA world cup in 2020.”

    He further mentioned that although one or may be two projects, which are not even 10 percent of the total construction projects, suffered some delay because of the blockade but the construction industry continues to grow as many new buildings and hospitals are being constructed.

    “We are also focusing on promoting tourism, particularly the Cultural Tourism as many new museums are being established and the Museum of Islamic Art and Cultural Centers in Qatar are already open whereas the Hamad Port, which is the largest port of Gulf region, also became fully operational a year ago”, he added.

    Earlier, President KCCI Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, while welcoming the Qatari Consul General, underscored the need to make collective efforts to enhance trade ties between Pakistan and Qatar. Both countries have been enjoying good bilateral relations particularly in the energy sector but efforts have to be made from both side to enhance trade and investment cooperation in other sectors as well.

    Referring to FIFA 2020 being organized in Qatar, he stated that this particular event has opened up a host of opportunities for the business communities of both the countries to collaborate in numerous sectors of the economy.

    He was of the opinion that Pakistan, being an agricultural economy, can offer many commodities to Qatar and there was also good potential for enhancing trade in fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, meat, livestock, gems & jewelry, Information Technology and Engineering sectors.

    “As Pakistan produces some of the finest gems & jewelry whereas Qatar has been importing these products mostly from India, therefore the Qatari business community must look into the possibility of importing good quality gems and jewelry products from Pakistan as well”, he added.

  • KCCI to raise commercial importers’ problems with FBR

    KCCI to raise commercial importers’ problems with FBR

    KARACHI: Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has assured commercial importers of taking up their issues with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for resolving amicably.

    President KCCI Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, in a statement on Tuesday, assured Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA) that the chamber will approach the FBR and other concerned authorities so that the issues being faced by commercial importers could be amicably resolved.

    Exchanging views at a meeting during the visit of PCDMA delegation to KCCI, President KCCI requested PCDMA to submit practical suggestions for resolving the issues being faced by the commercial importers.

    General Secretary BMG AQ Khalil, Senior Vice President KCCI Arshad Islam, Vice President KCCI Shahid Ismail and KCCI Managing Committee members attended the said meeting with PCDMA delegation led by its Chairman Amin Yousuf Balgamwala, which also comprised of Vice Chairman Asif Ebrahim, Former Chairman Haroon Agar, Arif Balgamwala and others.

    President KCCI was fairly optimistic that the issue pertaining to SRO 1190 will certainly be taken into consideration and resolved on KCCI’s intervention.

    He also sought PCDMA’s suggestions for realistic valuation ruling so that the same could be forwarded to relevant authority for consideration with a view to provide a level playing field to commercial importers.

    While agreeing to Chairman PCDMA’s suggestion to form a committee so that collective efforts could be made to get the issues resolved, Agha Shahab sought PCDMA’s nominations for the proposed Committee.

    Speaking on the occasion, Chairman PSDMA Amin Yousuf Balgamwala brief President KCCI about the issues pertaining to Sales Tax, particularly the SRO 1190 being faced by the commercial importers.

    “We are facing a lot of problems in value addition and have constantly been sending letters to concerned authorities but no relief has been provided so far”, he said, adding that the valuation ruling, which have not been revised since many years, must be regularly revised after every three months.

    He further mentioned that as the CNIC condition will come into force from January 2020, therefore collective efforts have to be made on time to avoid any problems in future. “It is really unfortunate commercial importers, who regularly pay all their outstanding taxes, are being called tax evader and accordingly treated, which is not justifiable,” he added.

  • Karachi Chamber urges PM to honor genuine taxpayers

    Karachi Chamber urges PM to honor genuine taxpayers

    KARACHI: Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Monday urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to honor genuine taxpayers instead saying all the countrymen as tax thieves.

    Chairman Businessmen Group & Former President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Siraj Kassam Teli and President KCCI Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, while disagreeing to PM Imran Khan’s remarks wherein he accuses everyone for not paying taxes across the board, appealed to make public the city-wise tax collection so that everyone could know which city is paying what taxes and which isn’t and running away from the national obligation.

    In a statement issued, Chairman BMG and President KCCI said that although there are gaps in the taxation system but that cannot be made the reason to call all the countrymen tax thieves hence, the Prime Minister Imran Khan may please amend his statement.

    They said: “The Prime Minister talks a lot about Change and Justice but it is a matter of grave concern and a sheer injustice to the taxpayers when our Prime Minister claims that nobody wants to pay taxes. The loyal taxpayers contribute billions of rupees each year which are being utilized to run the government yet they (the taxpayers) are being discouraged as they stand at the same array where the tax thieves and evaders were standing.”

    Referring to a press conference by Advisor Finance Hafeez Shaikh and Chairman FBR Shabbar Zaidi held to respond to Small Traders’ reservations along with a recent data of the FBR, they said that as per FBR statistics, the small traders of Karachi paid tax of Rs30 billion while the traders from Lahore paid a mere amount of just Rs567.7 million and the situation in other cities was much worse.

    Hence, Chairman BMG and President KCCI urged the Prime Minister Imran Khan, Advisor Finance Hafeez Shaikh, Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar and Chairman FBR Shabbar Zaidi to publicize the city-wise data of all other taxes including the Income Tax, Sales Tax, Custom Duty and Federal Excise Duty in detail so that the ground realities could be revealed.

    “We believe that the actual contribution of Karachi, which is the economic hub of the country contributing 70 percent revenue to the national exchequer, has to be publicized without any excuse of being the port city with a precise breakup of tax collection from the ports and dry ports along with details of the imported items belonging to which city and the consignee, besides carrying detailed fragmented tax collection from the head offices of corporate entities and their branches located in all parts of the country which would surely present the actual city-wise contribution”, they suggested.

    Siraj Teli and Agha Shahab further said, “We agree that many individuals and corporate entities from different areas of the country may not be paying their taxes to the level they should but that doesn’t mean that nobody was paying taxes. It is highly unfair to give such statement as it creates a false impression. Realistically, there are millions of individuals and corporate entities who are paying all their taxes. The FBR and Ministry of Finance should be told to get those individuals first who are paying zero tax instead of furthering squeezing the existing tax payers.”

    They hoped that the Prime Minister Imran Khan would soon issues strict directives to the Ministry of Finance and the FBR to compile city-wise data of tax collection and the same will also be publicized at the earliest.

  • Lack of banking channel hindering Pak-Iran trade potential: Iranian envoy

    Lack of banking channel hindering Pak-Iran trade potential: Iranian envoy

    KARACHI: Consul General of Iran Ahmad Mohammadi has said that there is a huge potential to enhance bilateral trade and economic relations between Iran and Pakistan in a variety of subjects but there are also some difficulties hindering smooth trade between the two brotherly countries that need to be addressed, of which the lack of proper banking channel remains at the top.

    Speaking at a meeting during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), the Iranian Consul General, while acknowledging the official trade volume highlighted by President KCCI, said that all these trade figures were correct but the actual trade volume was much higher as a lot of indirect trade was going on between the two countries because of lack of banking channel.

    “We, at the Iranian Consulate, are very serious towards resolving all the issues so that the bilateral trade and economic relations could be strengthened”, he added.

    General Secretary Businessmen Group AQ Khalil, President KCCI Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, Senior Vice President Arshad Islam, Vice President Shahid Ismail and KCCI Managing Committee Members along with Commercial Attaché Mehmood Haji Yousufi Pour and Commercial Counsellor Amir Mehdi Amir Jaffary attended the meeting.

    Iranian Consul General further stated that one of the most important action for increasing the existing bilateral trade was business communities’ participation in numerous exhibitions being staged either in Iran or Pakistan.

    “Almost two-and-a-half years ago, we staged Iran’s Solo Trade Exhibition here in Karachi which was very successful, bringing the business communities more close to each other. More such exhibitions must take place either in Karachi or in Tehran or any other city of Iran that would surely pave way for much improved trade ties”, he added.

    Referring to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visits to Iran particularly his meeting with the Iranian President, Ahmad Mohammadi stated that both leaders have expressed their intention to further improve trade and economic ties between the two brotherly countries hence, the trade volume was likely to increase in the days to come.

    He informed that the Iranian Consulate will be receiving two separate delegations in near future from Iran Chamber of Commerce which will be attending an event in Karachi being organized by Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Industry while another delegation from Tehran Chamber of Commerce will also be here to attend the Build Asia Exhibition.

    “We are trying to receive more delegations from Tehran Chamber so that they could hold negotiations with their Pakistani brothers to seek ways and means of how to improve bilateral relations.”

    While congratulating the new team at KCCI, Iranian Consul General hoped that during their tenure, KCCI Office Bearers will make efforts to improve trade relations with Iran by sending delegations and participating in numerous exhibitions in Iran. “The Iranian Consulate and KCCI have continuously maintained good relations. I and my colleagues firmly believe that KCCI is our second home in Karachi”, he added.

    Earlier, President KCCI Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, while welcoming the Iranian Consul General, stated that despite being brotherly countries, trade remains low hence, Pakistan and Iran must make collective efforts to explore new avenues. It has always been KCCI’s struggle to promote bilateral trade and the Chamber has a very positive approach towards improving trade ties particularly with neighboring countries.

    He pointed out that the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran was much less than the potential as Pakistan exports stood at a mere $330.2 million while the imports were around $1.247 billion during 2018.

    Agha Shahab noted that the negotiations on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are underway as both the countries have shared their desire of upgrading Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) into Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for which initial drafts have already been shared while the State Bank of Pakistan has also shared draft of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for signing its Banking Paying Arrangement (BPA) with Iran’s Iranian Bank Markazi Jomhouri. Both countries have already signed MoU through which channels would be opened in the central banks of both the countries for trade transactions that would reduce the usage of dollar account for Letter of Credit (LC) clearance.

    He hoped that the desperately needed proper banking channel between Pakistan and Iran becomes a reality soon which would surely boost the existing trade ties.

    He was of the opinion that abundant opportunities were available in the Iranian dairy, livestock, meat and beverages sectors for Pakistani traders and investors while Pakistan can also take benefit of Iran’s petrochemical sector.

    Agha Shahab underscored the need to sort out infrastructural constraints to enhance bilateral trade via Quetta-Taftan land route whereas regular operation of ECO container train will lend impetus to cargo and transit facilities between the two countries.

    While underscoring the need for a realistic approach, President KCCI said that KCCI was keen to strengthen trade ties with their counterparts in Iran.

    “We want to strengthen ties and establish strong connection with Tehran Chamber of Commerce & Industry by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with a view to improve cooperation between both Chambers. We would also like to send a trade delegation to explore new avenues for enhancing trade and investment ties between the two brotherly countries”, he added.

  • SBP urged to direct banks for accepting sales tax refund bonds

    SBP urged to direct banks for accepting sales tax refund bonds

    KARACHI: The business community has urged State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to issue directives to banks for accepting sales tax refund bonds in order to ease hardship in liquidity issues, especially for the exports.

    Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in this regard wrote a letter to SBP Governor Reza Baqir and apprised him about the government papers, which were issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) against the stuck up refunds, but despite inclusion in the Sales Tax Act, 1990 the banks were not accepting those.

    Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, President, KCCI in the letter said that due to liquidity crunch the exporters had no option but to curtail their production and were trying to maintain their share in the existing international market.

    “The situation has worsened to such an extent that our exporters simply cannot explore any new market to raise the exports due to lack of funds which, if not timely addressed, is likely to have a negative impact on Pakistan’s economy which is already under immense pressure and is struggling hard to narrow the current account deficit.”

    He said that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued Bonds to the claimants and as per provisions of section 67-A of the Sales Tax Act-1990, these bonds shall be traded freely in the Country’s secondary markets and they will be accepted by the banks as Collateral.

    “However, despite specific directions in the relevant Act, these bonds are neither being traded freely in the market nor being accepted by the banks, creating severe liquidity problems for the exporters who are unable to finish their export orders, hence the situation was likely to shrink the overall exports and may also result in further depreciation of the desperately Foreign Exchange reserves of the country which requires Governor State Bank’s indulgence.”

    He stressed that the State Bank has to ensure compliance of the statutory provisions as soon as possible. “Almost a month has passed so far but no relief has been provided to minimize the grievances being faced by the exporters.”

    He was of the opinion that the exporters were already going through the toughest time due to ‘Creative Destruction’ which has made many Pakistani products obsolete in the international markets whereas they are terribly suffering due to high cost of doing business, stagnant industrial activities, the highest ever inflation and many other issues particularly the stuck up refund claims that needs to be resolved and the claimants must get their legitimate refunds on top priority.

  • New concessional list should be considered under Pakistan, Malaysia FTA

    New concessional list should be considered under Pakistan, Malaysia FTA

    KARACHI: Consul General of Malaysia Khairul Nazran Abd Rahman has said that Malaysia and Pakistan need to agree upon on a new concessional list under the existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

    Large number of requests have been received from different segments for addition of numerous items in the FTA list in which Pakistani Basmati rice was also not included hence it was being imported by Malaysia from India and Vietnam.

    Speaking at a meeting during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Malaysian CG said that as Pakistani Basmati rice was not in the FTA list, it was not competitive when compared with other countries exporting this important commodity to Malaysia.

    “Meanwhile, the business communities of both countries must hold regular interactions in order to fully utilize and benefit from the existing FTA which would certainly improve the existing trade ties between the two brotherly countries”, he added.

    General Secretary Businessmen Group & Former President KCCI AQ Khalil, President KCCI Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, Senior Vice President Arshad Islam, Vice President Shahid Ismail, KCCI Managing Committee members and others also attended the meeting.

    Malaysian Consul General pointed out that the volume of trade improved marginally by 2.5 percent to US$1.47 billion in 2018 as compared to US$1.34 billion in 2017. “Malaysia’s Palm oil is a major product, which alone represents 47 percent of total trade while other traditional products including Pakistani textiles are also being exported to Malaysia. We need to do more and must take advantage of the FTA which was enforced in 2008 and must also focus on non-traditional items as well”, he added.

    He said that Malaysia and Pakistan must not remain confined to improving the political and economic ties only but other areas of strategic importance particularly defense, education and tourism must also get special attention from both sides. “We are now focusing on promoting and cooperating in the tourism sector as our cooperation has remained mostly on trade and investment. The tourism sector, having immense potential, has to be given attention which would prove beneficial for the two nations”, he added.

    Congratulating the newly elected Office Bearers, the Consul General said that KCCI was not a stranger for him as it was his second visit to this Chamber after assuming charge as Consul General in Karachi last year in the month of June 2018. My intention of today’s visit to KCCI is to explore trade and investment opportunities and identify the potential sectors, particularly the non-traditional goods.

    Referring to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad’s visit to Pakistan and PM Imran Khan’s visit to Malaysia, he said, “Both countries have new governments in place and a lot of discussions have taken place and now we need to see the results. Hence, it is right time for the business communities to focus more on improving trade and investment”, he added.

    Speaking on the occasion, President KCCI Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan said, “Today we are living in the 21st century in which nobody is neither dependent nor independent but everyone of us are inter-dependent. Hence, we all must live in harmony and focus on expanding ties particularly in those sectors where there was a comparative advantage.”

    Commenting on the scenic sites in the northern areas of Pakistan and Malaysia, he said that Pakistanis were keen to visit Malaysia to see its natural beauty but many of them were unaware of the tourism opportunities in Malaysia and same was the case with Malaysians who don’t know much about the mesmerizing landscapes in northern areas of Pakistan. In this regard, both sides will have to make efforts and devise effective strategies to promote the tourism sector.

    To improve the existing trade ties, he opined that Pakistan can exports many of its traditional and non-traditional goods to Malaysia particularly rice, furniture, electric cables, cosmetics, jewelry, food stuff and many other products in which the country has got comparative advantage.

    He further advised the Malaysian CG to arrange visit of a Malaysian delegation to Karachi and after identifying the potential sectors, the Karachi Chamber will also look into the possibility of sending relevant delegations to Malaysia so that the trade and investment ties between the two countries could prosper.

    Agha Shahab also stressed that the existing FTA needs to be revisited and updated with a list of products having good potential for penetrating into the Malaysian market whereas both countries must also look into the possibility of undertaking joint ventures in the Halal food sector.

    He also invited the Malaysian business community to participate in 17th My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony Exhibition scheduled to be organized at the Expo Center from April 17th to April 19th, 2020 which would surely provide a perfect networking platform and help them in identifying the potential products which can be supplied in the Pakistani markets.