LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed formation of a body to regulate ports and shipping sectors to resolve issues of export and import.
Prime Minister has also issued directives to take measures to increase efficiency of the Green Channel. He ordered the Customs offices to remain open 24 hours a day, using modern technology to prevent under-invoicing and mis-declaration.
Ex Vice President of FPCCI and Director of Pakistan Single Window and Supply Chain expert Khurram Ijaz gave these details while talking to “Jang” after a meeting with Prime Minister in Islamabad.
Khurram Ijaz said Prime Minister remained focused during the meeting on “ease of doing business” to improve the country’s economy and increase investment. Federal Minister for Shipping Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister of State Ali Pervaiz, Advisor to Prime Minister Ahad Cheema and Chairman FBR were present in the meeting, he said.
Khurram Ejaz said that during the meeting in Karachi with PM on trade and industry, he had given some suggestions on shipping industry and Customs issues. “Appreciating his proposals, Prime Minister invited him to Islamabad so that he could review them in detail”, he said. Prime Minister also took several important decisions regarding trade and industry. including appointment of a regulator for the shipping industry like other countries in the world, he said.
Khurram Ejaz said that in the meeting that lasted for 40 to 50 minutes, the PM also appreciated the proposal to create Safe Port like Safe City to prevent misdeclaration.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the Customs to enhance efficiency of Green Channel to improve clearance system. He said officers of good reputation should be appointed in the Customs Intelligence.
On the instructions of Prime Minister, another meeting would be held after two days for reforms in the sector of port and shipping.
Khurram Ejaz said he gave suggestions to Prime Minister for improvement in country’s economy and to facilitate trade. Some measures were also identified to improve the affairs of Customs, he added.
Khurram said Prime Minister was working hard, and seemed serious about bringing the country out of economic crisis.
