Customs and KCCI Collaborate to Streamline Exports, Address Trade Challenges

In a bid to bolster Pakistan’s export sector, the Chief Collector of Customs (Export), Mohammad Sadiq, and Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Jawed Bilwani underscored a unified commitment to resolving trade bottlenecks during a meeting at the KCCI office.

Key Initiatives Announced:

• A 24-hour help desk has been established at the customs headquarters to provide immediate assistance to exporters.
• A dedicated WhatsApp group linking customs officials, exporters, and the Chief Collector enables real-time issue resolution.
• Enhanced coordination with drug enforcement agencies to reduce redundant cargo inspections.

Challenges Highlighted by KCCI:

• Excessive per-day detention charges for delayed cargo.
• Prolonged examination processes and high logistics costs, especially for perishable goods.
• Need for stricter accountability to curb malpractice harming Pakistan’s global trade reputation.

Statements from Officials:

• Mohammad Sadiq emphasized exports as the economy’s “lifeline,” stressing collaborative problem-solving over blame.
• Collector Irfan Javed revealed that 90% of export rebates are processed via the State Bank, pending federal approval.
• Jawed Bilwani urged prioritizing export-led growth over remittances, calling for smoother processes and faster cargo clearance to maintain product quality.

Next Steps:
Both sides agreed on strengthening coordination between customs and cargo handlers to expedite clearance and reduce costs. Bilwani praised the WhatsApp group initiative as a “game-changer” for resolving exporter grievances swiftly.

The collaboration aims to enhance Pakistan’s trade competitiveness while addressing systemic hurdles faced by exporters.