RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Pakistan FMCG Importers Association (PIFA) has urged the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) to play its due role to convince the government for resolving the issue of imposition of regulatory duty on hundreds of items being imported in the country causing hike in their prices as well as encouraging smuggling and other wrong doings.

PFIA delegation led by its Secretary General Ali Tariq Mattoo called on the FPCCI President Ghazanfar Bilour office of the Federation and apprised him the disadvantages of regulatory duty imposed by the government on over 400 items and impact of its higher rates. They said that the government would not get any benefit out of this duty to supplement its revenue collection rather it would encourage the smuggling and bringing these items to the country through informal channels.

Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Sheikh Amir Waheed, Senior Vice President ICCI Muhammad Naveed Malik, Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) leader Yasir Ahmad Sheikh and others were also present during the meeting.

PFIA leadership also drew the attention of the FPCCI towards the smuggling under the garb of Afghan Transit Trade and its negative impact on Pakistani economy.