Latest news with #Bilwani
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
KCCI praises faceless customs assessment system
KARACHI: President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Muhammad Jawed Bilwani has said that only those individuals who are engaged in mis-declaration, under-invoicing, or other malpractices have faced difficulties under the new system. For the vast majority of compliant importers and exporters, the FCA has made processes faster, simpler, and more transparent; hence, all types of rumours circulating about the rollback of this system must be fully discouraged.' While strongly praising the performance of the Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) system and calling for its immediate implementation across the country, Bilwani commended the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Customs for launching the FCA system in Karachi, which he described as a model of effective reform that has brought far-reaching benefits to the business community. The system, which leverages Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to eliminate physical interaction in customs assessment, has drastically curtailed corruption, enhanced transparency, reduced losses on account of demurrage & detention and restored confidence among genuine traders. He noted that the introduction of FCA has significantly improved the efficiency of customs operations by expediting clearance times and simplifying documentation. With reduced dependence on clearing agents and elimination of discretionary powers, businesses now experience faster processing, fewer delays, and greater predictability in their import-export operations. The adoption of self-clearance by a growing number of traders has led to a considerable reduction in their cost of doing business, empowering them to manage their shipments independently through a digital interface. Bilwani emphasised that one of the most commendable achievements of the FCA system is the minimisation, almost complete elimination of physical visits to Customs House. This not only saves valuable time and operational resources but also reduces the opportunities for malpractices historically associated with manual assessment systems. As a result, legitimate businesses are finally operating in a more secure and equitable environment. Highlighting the success of the Karachi rollout, he stressed the need for swift nationwide replication. 'The outstanding results in Karachi clearly demonstrate that Pakistan's trade infrastructure can be modernised when technology is implemented with integrity and vision. There is no reason to delay its expansion to other cities and ports.' He further urged the government and relevant authorities to introduce similar IT and AI-enabled systems in all other departments linked with trade, taxation, and regulatory approvals. By reducing human involvement, he stated, the government can eliminate the root causes of corruption and inefficiency across the board. He also called for full digitisation of the entire trade process, from documentation and submission to assessment, approvals, and final clearance so that the entire ecosystem functions with greater transparency, accountability, and speed. Jawed Bilwani also appreciated the Customs officials in Karachi for their commitment to ensuring the success of the FCA system. He reiterated KCCI's full support for all initiatives that aim to simplify trade, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and foster an environment conducive to fair and transparent business practices. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
KCCI urges PM to release Rs23b power subsidy
Listen to article President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure the release of the long-overdue Rs23 billion relief in electricity bills on incremental consumption. In a statement released on Friday, he called for the inclusion of this relief in the upcoming federal budget for FY2025-26, lamenting that although it was allocated in earlier budgets, it has yet to be disbursed — affecting only Karachi's industrial sector, while the rest of the country has received the benefit. As per the statement, Bilwani wrote a letter to the prime minister, acknowledging the government's steps to support the business community but expressed deep concern over the continued delay in providing the subsidy for the period from July 1, 2021, to October 21, 2023. He noted that Karachi's industries remain under immense financial pressure due to administrative and legal complications. He stated that the total subsidy for the period stands at Rs33 billion, of which Rs23 billion is undisputed and should have already been disbursed. Funds were earmarked in previous budgets — Rs22 billion in FY2021-22, Rs13 billion in FY2022-23, and Rs7 billion in FY2023-24 — but the subsidy has not reached recipients due to procedural delays involving K-Electric. "K-Electric (KE) operated without a stay order for nearly nine months yet failed to pass on the subsidy to consumers," said Bilwani, adding that NEPRA did not enforce compliance, and legal obstacles have dragged the issue. He pointed out that KE's appeals were dismissed by a tribunal in July 2024, but the matter remains stalled due to a stay order from the Islamabad High Court. KCCI has urged immediate verification of the figures by the Power Division and NEPRA, stressing that the verified subsidy should be reflected in the upcoming budget. Crucially, KCCI proposed that the undisputed Rs23 billion be paid directly to industrial consumers instead of routing it through KE to avoid further delays. "This is not just a legal obligation; it is a matter of economic justice and national interest," Bilwani said.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM urged to expedite Rs23bn power bill relief
KARACHI: President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Muhammad Jawed Bilwani has appealed the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure that the long-pending relief of Rs23 billion in the electricity bills on incremental consumption is released without further delay by duly incorporating provision in the forthcoming federal budget for FY 2025–26. Despite being allocated in previous budgets, the relief has yet to be disbursed, causing severe financial stress to the Karachi's industrial sector only as this relief has been provided to the rest of the country. In a formal letter addressed to the Prime Minister, President KCCI acknowledged the government's efforts to address challenges faced by the business community and improve Pakistan's economic landscape. However, he expressed grave concern over the delay in releasing the subsidy for incremental electricity consumption from July 1, 2021, to October 21, 2023, stressing that Karachi's industries continue to bear the brunt of administrative and legal setbacks. He pointed out that the total subsidy amount for the period is Rs33 billion, of which Rs23 billion is undisputed and should have been disbursed. Budgetary allocations were already made in FY 2021-22 (Rs22 billion), FY 2022-23 (Rs13 billion), and FY 2023-24 (Rs7 billion), but the funds have not reached the intended recipients due to procedural and legal delays involving K-Electric. 'K-Electric operated without a stay order for nearly nine months yet failed to pass on the subsidy to consumers,' said Bilwani, pointing to the lack of enforcement by NEPRA and subsequent legal hurdles that have prolonged the crisis. He added that despite the dismissal of KE's appeals by a Tribunal in July 2024, the matter stands stalled due to a stay order granted by the Islamabad High Court. KCCI emphasized the need for immediate verification of the subsidy figures by the Power Division and NEPRA, urging the government to ensure that the verified amount is reflected in the upcoming federal budget. More importantly, KCCI proposed that the undisputed Rs23 billion be released directly to industrial consumers rather than through KE, in order to prevent further delays. 'This is not just a matter of legal obligation; it is a question of economic justice and national interest,' Bilwani stated. 'Ensuring that Karachi's industries receive this long-overdue relief is essential for sustaining industrial operations and maintaining economic stability across Pakistan', he added. Jawed Bilwani hoped that the Prime Minister will intervene swiftly to resolve the issue, restore confidence in government policy, and deliver the much-needed support to Karachi's industrial backbone. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘EFS scheme a must for export-led growth, trade balance improvement'
KARACHI: President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Jawed Bilwani, while highlighting the crucial role played by the Export Finance Scheme (EFS) in sustaining Pakistan's exports said the EFS scheme is imperative to ensure continued export-led growth and trade balance improvement. He emphasised that the said scheme must continue in its original status and position prior to Federal Budget 2025-26 with reinstatement of local purchases under Section 880 (1)(b) of SRO 957(I)/2021 for acquisition of input goods (to allow local input goods liable to sales tax shall be supplied against zero-rated invoices) to ensure liquidity, competitiveness, and formalisation across the entire value chain as already recommended by the inter-ministerial committee headed by the federal minister for planning constituted by the prime minister. 'Despite contending with the highest regional costs of electricity, gas, water, and interest rates, Pakistan's exports have shown remarkable resilience, a feat largely attributable to the support provided by the EFS. Preserving and enhancing this scheme is essential for maintaining our export competitiveness,' he added. He highlighted the EFS was strategically developed through broad-based consultation with stakeholders to simplify and streamline export procedures, enabling a more progressive and accessible export environment. It consolidated all previous schemes under one umbrella, minimized documentation requirements, and facilitated ease of doing business through a fully automated system integrated with WeBOC and Pakistan Single Window (PSW). The scheme included real-time audits and end-to-end traceability to regulate compliance costs and ensure transparency. Bilwani added the EFS has played a crucial role in easing liquidity pressures for exporters, particularly in the value-added textile and apparel sector, where access to input goods is vital for sustaining production and delivery timelines. The import of specialized yarns and fabrics under EFS has been particularly instrumental in enabling exporters to meet international quality standards. 'Much of the quality yarn and fabric used by Pakistan's apparel exporters is not produced domestically, and the local alternatives, where available, are often of lower quality and higher cost,' Bilwani explained. 'The garments manufacturers using imported yarn are of superior quality, giving our exporters a competitive edge in global markets.' The value-added apparel sector, he noted, achieves up to 70 percent value addition on export goods and requires uninterrupted access to high-quality raw materials. 'Countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam are completely reliant on imported raw materials for their export-oriented textile sectors, and their success is proof of the effectiveness of such models when supported by robust facilitation mechanisms,' he added. President Bilwani warned, however, that policy changes announced in the last federal budget, particularly the removal of zero-rating for local supplies, have disrupted the balance between imported and local raw materials. 'Currently, while imported raw materials are tax-exempt, local inputs are subject to an 18% sales tax with delayed and costly refunds,' he said. 'This creates a structural imbalance, discouraging local sourcing and impacting domestic SMEs across the value chain.' In view of the IMF's reservations about restoring full zero-rating, Bilwani proposed a pragmatic middle path, such as adopting a negative list to restrict high-risk imports under EFS, while preserving the broader scheme's facilitative framework. To further strengthen EFS, Bilwani reiterated the proposal for real-time audits and digital monitoring to reduce processing delays, enhance transparency, and ensure the scheme's credibility. 'If implemented effectively, the EFS has the potential to become a strategic pillar in eliminating Pakistan's trade deficit and ensuring long-term export sustainability,' he concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Businessmen demand EFS restoration in original form
Listen to article Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Jawed Bilwani, while highlighting the crucial role played by the Export Finance Scheme (EFS) in sustaining Pakistan's exports, emphasised that the scheme must continue in its original status and position, which was before the presentation of federal budget for fiscal year 2024-25. In a statement, he called for allowing local purchases under Section 880 (1)(b) of SRO 957(I)/2021 (local input goods liable to sales tax to be supplied against zero-rated invoices) to ensure liquidity, competitiveness and formalisation across the entire value chain, as recommended by the Inter-Ministerial Committee. "The EFS is critical to ensuring continued export-led growth and trade balance improvement," he said. "Despite facing the highest regional costs of electricity, gas, water and interest rates, Pakistan's exports have shown remarkable resilience, a feat largely attributable to the support provided by the EFS. Preserving and expanding this scheme is essential for maintaining export competitiveness." Bilwani highlighted that the EFS was strategically developed by consolidating all previous schemes under one umbrella, which minimised documentation requirements and facilitated ease of doing business through a fully automated system integrated with Web-based One Customs (WeBOC) and the Pakistan Single Window (PSW). "Much of the quality yarn and fabric used by Pakistan's apparel exporters is not produced domestically and the local alternatives, where available, are often of lower quality and higher cost," he pointed out. "The imported yarn used by garment manufacturers is of superior quality, giving exporters a competitive edge in global markets." The value-added apparel sector makes up to 70% value addition to export goods and requires uninterrupted access to high-quality raw material. "Countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam are completely reliant on imported raw material for their export-oriented textile sectors and their success is a proof of effectiveness of such models when supported by robust facilitation mechanisms," he said. Bilwani warned that policy changes announced in the last federal budget, particularly the removal of zero-rating for local supplies, disrupted the balance between imported and local raw material. "Currently, while the imported raw material is exempt from taxes, local inputs are subject to 18% sales tax with delayed and costly refunds," he said. "This creates a structural imbalance, discouraging local sourcing and impacting SMEs across the value chain." In view of the IMF's reservations about fully restoring the zero-rating facility, he proposed a pragmatic middle path such as adopting a negative list to restrict high-risk imports under the EFS while preserving the broader scheme's facilitative framework.
