LAHORE: Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) Vice President Nasir Saeed has urged the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to impose equal throughout charges across the country as disparity of rates among the four provinces is hampering the business activities of the importers of Lahore.
He was talking to the Director of Commercial & Estate, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, Karachi Alqera Atiq here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The LCCI Executive Committee members were also present on the occasion.
Nasir Saeed said that there should not be any discrimination in the cargo throughput charges in the country as it is a federal tax. While giving an overview, he said that per KG rate for USA, Dubai, China, Korea, Japan, Europe/UK from Lahore Airport is Rs. 55, 30, 30, 45, 45 and 50 while rate for same destination from Karachi and Islamabad Airports are Rs 23, 13, 14, 17, 45 and 35 per KG and Rs. 41, 22, 22, 41, 41 and 41 respectively. He said that in a situation, importers of Lahore have left with no other option but to shift their businesses from Lahore.
He said that copy of contract between PCAA and Contractor should be made available to Customs Clearing agents Association, Importers and all Chambers of Commerce & Industry. He said that computerized bills should be generated instead of issuing manual invoices.
He further suggested that list of cargo throughput charges’ rates should be made available to all the stakeholders. He said that computation of charges should be shared with the stakeholders. He said that cargo throughput charges should be imposed at standard rate of 2% instead of 5% in case of same day clearance. He said that cargo throughput charges should be calculated on the basis of actual weight break. He said that cargo throughput charges should be electronically calculated through an automated system by PRAL and PCAA should act as a collecting agency only. He said that airlines increase their tariff during export seasons (like mango export season), this is unethical and should strictly be dealt with, as this practice is badly hurting exports.
Director Commercial & Estates, Pakistan Civial Aviation Authority, Karachi Alqera Atiq were of the view that genuine reservations of the business community will be addressed on priority. He said that he has visited LCCI second time on the instructions of high-ups with the clear instructions to facilitate the business community.
