SIALKOT: The Model Customs Collectorate Sialkot has paid a chunk of Rs 550 million rebates to Sialkot exporters, besides clearing as many as 8,557 prolonged refund and rebate cases.
Sialkot Customs Collector Qurban Ali Khan said that the collectorate was striving to ensure the early clearance of all pending rebate and refund claims of the Sialkot exporters. He said that they would leave no stone unturned to pay the dues.
He said that the collectorate was providing advanced export-related facilities to exporters and importers besides ensuring rapid clearance of export consignments through Sialkot Dry Port Trust (SDPT) and Sialkot International Airport.
The collector added that the one-window facility and establishment of Single Examination Assessment Office at the SDPT was earning the confidence of the exporters. He said the exporters have been reposing their confidence in the collectorate for provision of these facilities.
He said that the Sialkot exporters have also taken a keen interest in enhancing their exports, as the collectorate motivated them to utilise the SDPT and Sialkot International Airport for their exports. Qurban said that the Sialkot exporters have been playing their role in boosting economy by earning foreign exchange.
To a question, the collector said that the collectorate has given priority to the prolonged rebate claims, adding that they have distributed Rs 550 million among the Sialkot exporters to help them boost their businesses. He said that the Sialkot Collectorate was honouring its all commitments in this regard.
He said that it has relieved the pressure on the Sialkot-based exporters and manufacturers and they have warmly welcomed the payments of their arrears.
He said that his collectorate was rapidly becoming a centre of excellence with the active cooperation of the Sialkot-based industrialists, exporters and importers.
Qurban Ali Khan said that an advanced 24/7 duty system has been introduced at the SDPT, as efficient officials of customs, Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and SDPT have been working round-the-clock to lure the Sialkot exporters, importers and customs and cargo clearing agents into doing their business through the SDPT.
He vowed to promote the exports and imports through the dry port, adding that the SDPT was now offering international standard services. He said that Sialkot has a huge export potential through the dry port and airport.
The collector said that the exporters of Sialkot were the “roaming ambassadors of Pakistan”, who travel across the world to fetch business and with their effort the export earnings of Sialkot stood at $1.6 billion annually, which was 6% of the total exports of Pakistan.
He praised the self-help spirit of the Sialkot exporters for establishing Asia’s first-ever international airport in private sector. He said that the airport has a huge potential of cargo exports, adding that international airlines have been offering lucrative air-freight packages.
The collector admired the exporters for playing a pivotal role in the beautification of the city and completion of several socio-economic and public welfare projects by spending billions of rupees on a self- help basis.
