Reported by: Imran Khan
KARACHI: A three members committee comprising Chief Collector Customs, Chief Commissioner and Chairman EPZA has been constituted to ease the difficulties in tax collection. The purpose of the committee is to minimize the hurdles in obtaining GST and income tax.
Export Processing Zone Authority has reaffirmed that ensuring the imposition of General Sales Tax and Income Tax will look after in convenience of investors of EPZA and the refund of GST will be made within 48 hours.
These views were expressed by Chairman FBR. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed while meeting investors on the visit of Karachi Export Processing Zone Head Office
The cooperation of zone investors will be a significant factor in the boost of the country’s economy and exports. Chairman FBR assured the zone investors all possible cooperation. Earlier, Chairman Export Processing Zones Authority Dr. Saifuddin Junejo briefed the delegation about the aims and objectives of the organization, performance of imports /exports and future plans, During a detailed briefing by the organization, ccomplete automation of all processes of EPZA at various Zones is being carried out.
Referring to the imports and exports of the last five years, he said that the role of zones in the country’s exports has been significant.
Coordination and cooperation with Customs and FBR will be enhanced to facilitate operations.
Meanwhile 54 Industrial Units have been identified which are found exporting ‘nil’ since last five years .They have been issued notices and may lead to take over of the units followed by auctions so that new buyers can start their business/export rather than keeping these sick units idle inflicting economic cost to the country.52 Industrial Units have been identified which are found exporting less than their committed figures. These Units will be provided opportunity to revive their business plans and start exporting more within 03 months. Failure to do so will result in takeover and auction so that new buyers can do better business and more exports.
Mentioning future plans, he said Phase – III of KEPZ on 80 acres of land is being developed which was pending since last 7-9 years. RFP has been issued for hiring consultant for Commercial Feasibility Study, Detailed Designing and Planning/Master Planning of Infrastructure Development Works.
Efforts are being made to develop EPZ at Sukkur on the demand of Sukkur Chamber of Commerce & Industry supported by Presidency and local political leadership .Request for 200 acres of land has been sent to Chief Minister of Sindh and now pending with SMBR and Revenue Officers of Sukkur Division. If established it would benefit interior of Sindh and South Punjab in terms of employment, industrialization and earning foreign exchange by increasing exports.
