KARACHI: Tariq Bajwa, Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has said that Pakistan Customs, like all other Customs Administrations of the world, is celebrating International Customs day on 26th January, 2014. I extend my warm felicitations to all officers and officials of the department on this special day. The concepts of Customs operations are developed in accordance with the latest economic developments taking place around the world. Role of Customs is not restricted to collecting duty and taxes on goods and guarding sea and land frontiers, but also involves trade facilitation and economic development.
There is a need to cope with the changing developments in international trade; which warrants developing a well-planned strategy beginning with the development of a skilled human resource and modern cargo clearance system, besides a robust system of exchange of information, which is the most important element of establishing an effective enforcement and deterrence against cross-border movement of illegal goods and persons.
The theme chosen for this year is “Communication: sharing information for better cooperationâ€, which is aimed at promoting connectivity between persons and institutions.
The rapid pace of globalization in recent years has reshaped international trade scenario and demands a constant communication, not only amongst jurisdictions, but also with the business community. The connectivity approach has prompted customs organizations around the globe to increase collaboration; and Pakistan is committed to this.
Tariff rationalization and a facilitative approach can prove a catalyst to kick start the stagnant economy. Our endeavor in Pakistan Customs is to achieve significant growth in both these critical areas. This would be Customs contribution to the economy. I wish that the department will continue to follow the path of modernization and trade facilitation and keeps on playing its role in the progress of the country.
