PESHAWAR: The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has demanded inclusion of items intended for export to Central Asian Republics (CARs) in the ‘Web-Based One Customs’ (WeBOC) system in order to further enhance trade with the regional countries.

According to a statement issued here on Thursday, SCCI president Sherbaz Bilour made the demand during a meeting with member customs of Federal Board of Revenue, Tariq Huda, in Islamabad.

A group of senior businessmen, including SCCI senior vice-president Manzoor Elahi and vice-president Junaid Altaf, were present in the meeting.

The SCCI delegation and FBR officials discussed different issues and agreed to take joint initiatives to remove hurdles impeding trade with Central Asian Republic states besides ensuring retaining tax-waiver status for the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (Pata).

While endorsing the proposal of SCCI delegation regarding inclusion of export items for CARs into the WeBOC system, the member customs, FBR, Tariq Huda issued orders in this regard on the occasion.

Demands inclusion of export items in WeBOC system

The meeting was apprised of a flagship project of SCCI meant to promote trade with the CARs and sought the cooperation of FBR and other relevant government authorities concerned in this regard.

The chamber’s delegation highlighted the business community’s issues related to taxes in the newly-merged districts. It was emphasised that the insertion of export items to CARs into the WeBOC system would help to carry out smooth trade with regional countries.

Mr Bilour on this occasion stressed the need for removing obstacles to trade with the CARs which would give a boost to the country’s exports.

The chamber chief demanded of the government and its relevant institutions to take pragmatic steps for resolution of the business community’s issues.

It was decided that a meeting with member customs of FBR would be arranged every month to discuss the issues.

Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2021