SCCI presented proposals to remove hurdles in Pak-Afghan trade

PESHAWAR
Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Fuad Ishaq presented comprehensive proposals for improving bilateral Pak-Afghan trade and export and removal of hurdles in cross border trade.
In his recommendations, Fuad Ishaq urged government and institutions to enforce policies and orders after making consultation with chambers and the business community to avoid any collision between traders and relevant authorities and lead the country’ economy on a path of sustainable growth and stability by enhancing mutual trade and export.
Fuad Isahq had given these proposals during a meeting upon visit of Chief Collector Customs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Jamil Nasir here at the chamber house.
Collector Appraisement Customs Peshawar Mateen Alam, Collector Enforcement Customs Peshawar Ziaul Shams and Additional Director (Transit Trade) Customs Peshawar Dr Tahir Iqbal Khattak accompanied the chief collector customs KP on the occasion.
Businessman Forum leader former senator Ilyas Ahmad Bilour, the chamber’ senior vice president Sanaullah Khan, vice president Ejaz Khan Afridi, former FPCCI president Ghazanfar Bilour, former SCCI’ presidents Zahidullah Shinwari, Faiz Muhammad Faizi, Zulfiqar Ali Khan, Sherbaz Bilour, former senior vice presidents Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, Imran Khan Mohmand, Shahid Hussain, former vice presidents Javed Akhtar, Shuja Muhammad and Khalid Sultan Khawaja, Peshawar Fresh Fruit Market President Haji Alif Jan, Pakistan Agricultural Produce Traders Federation President Malik Muhammad ALi Sohni, Gur Mandi President Ihsanullah, PTA provincial chairman Ishfaq Ahmad, executive committee members Hamza Ibrahim Butt, Monawar Khurshid, Haji Ghulam Hussain, Affaf Ali Khan, Naeeem Qasmi, Mazharul Haq, Atif Rasheed, Khalid Ayub, Imtiaz Ahmad Ali, Farooq Ahmad, Zahoor Khan, Aftab Iqbal, Saddar Gul, Faiz Rasool, Ishtiaq Ahmad, Secretary General Muqtasid Ahsan, Secretary Sohail Anjum, transporters, exporters and traders were present in a large number on the occasion.
Chief Collector Customs KP Jamil Nasir in his address said that steps were being taken for ease of doing business.
He assured the dignity of the business community should be kept intact during enforcement of rules and policies.
He stressed the need for establishing an atmosphere of trust between the customs department and business community.
Senior customs officials emphasized the close coordination and liaison between the Customs, chambers and traders to make collective steps to resolve issues and enhance bilateral trade and export to stabilize the national economy.
Fuad Ishaq in the meeting highlighted hurdles in Pak-Afghan bilateral trade and transit trade and briefed about reservations of the business community on policies and other issues.
The SCCI chief urged the government to revisit policies and make them business/trade friendly to improve the economy. He called for bringing ease in TAD, Transit Registration System and suggested duties/tariffs of 212 items should be made equal to Afghanistan and asked to allow Pakistani exporters to export these items so that menace of smuggling will be eradicated completely. In his recommendations, Fuad Ishaq demanded making Azakhel Dryport port fully functional, re-launch of cargo trains from Peshawar and functionalization of the Railways system.
He apprised traders’ community reservations about loose cargo and bonded carriers.
He proposed the formation of evaluation committees at the local level.
Fuad said SCCI is taking practical measures for uplift of the Honey sector, which is a major source of foreign exchange and export and asked the Customs department to address issues attached with the Honey sector on priority basis.
Businessman Forum leader Ilyas Ahmad Bilour also addressed the meeting calling for making policies trade and business friendly to enhance bilateral trade, transit trade and export.
Chief Collector Customs KP Jamil Nasir agreed with proposals of the SCCI president and directed relevant officials on the spot for resolving issues.
Jamil Nasir said practical steps were being taken to facilitate cross border trade. He emphasized reactivation of committees between Customs department and chamber so that issues will be resolved collectively.
He assured actions would be taken in consultation with chamber/trade bodies and will keep the dignity of the traders/taxpayers intact during implementation of rules and policies.