High customs duty: LCCI demands removal of barriers to businesses 

The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has planned to take up with the authorities concerned the issues pertaining to high customs duty on auto parts and undue inspection of consignments.

Speaking to a 50-member delegation of the Pakistan Auto Spare Parts Importers and Dealers Association (PASPIDA), LCCI Vice President Nasir Saeed said all those barriers that hampered the smooth running of businesses should be removed.

“All the departments concerned should adopt a friendly approach towards the business community, which is the backbone of the economy,” he said.

The LCCI official pointed out that undue examination of goods should be stopped as it was not only hurting the businesses but was also causing harassment.

In order to highlight the challenges faced by the business community and find a suitable solution, he assured the delegation that the LCCI would arrange a meeting with top government officials including the District Coordination Officer (DCO) and the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO).

“The business community is the power force that could make the country a global leader, therefore, policies should be framed while keeping in view their stake in the national economy.”

He suggested that all departments should act as facilitators of the business community, adding the measures being taken in the name of controlling smuggling were actually hurting the traders who were doing their business legally.

While emphasising the need for curbing smuggling, he said raids on business premises should be stopped while the flow of smuggled goods should be tackled at the border.

The delegation members termed the 35% customs duty imposed on auto parts very high, which should be brought down.

They said instead of stopping consignments and demanding unnecessary documents, smuggling should be stopped at the border. They also called for making the taxation system simple and business-friendly.