Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry

June 18, 2014

Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry rejects Finance Minister’s decision to revise Gas Infrastructure Development Cess

Karachi, June 18, 2014 (PPI-OT): The President, Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Ismail Suttar has vehemently rejected the government’s decision to revise the rate of Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) announced by Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar at a press conference on Tuesday. Suttar said that LCCI would continue to protest against the unjust GIDC until the government announces its complete withdrawal.

According to a statement issued, he said that LCCI is fully supporting the decision of all chambers of commerce across the country strongly opposing the GIDC and they remain united against such anti-business initiatives.

All chambers of Commerce and industrial bodies have appealed the government to immediately withdraw this anti-business initiative and facilitate growth of businesses which will automatically generate more tax revenue, create more jobs and enhance exports.

The stakeholders are of the view that GIDC would make the business community un-competitive in the region and would result in flight of capital therefore it should immediately be withdrawn.

They said that imposition of GIDC would prove to be disastrous for the industry and terribly affect Pakistan’s exports. The value-added and export-oriented industries had been instrumental in earning valuable foreign exchange to the tune of billions of rupees while the GIDC would not be accepted at any cost as it will increase the cost of production.

For more information, Contact:
Muhammad Farhan
Public Relations Officer
Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Ground floor, lied office building, Hub, Dist. Lasbela,
Tel: (0853) 303410, 304461
Fax: (0853) 302431
E-Mail: farhanprolcci@yahoo.com

May 13, 2014

Federal Tax Ombudsman orders Federal Board of Revenue to refund and clear all such refund claims to exporters that have been decided

Karachi, May 13, 2014 (PPI-OT): The Federal Tax Ombudsman, Abdur Rauf Chaudhry has ordered the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to refund and clear all such refund claims to the exporters that have been decided. On Tuesday the Honorable Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) while addressing the members of Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that in order to facilitate the exporters he by himself would approach the FBR to make payments of already settled refund claims within the specified time limit.

He said that he will also instruct the FBR to arrange the publishing of Customs’ daily list of Import and Export through Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) in order to facilitate the business community and to promote the transparency in the international business transactions.

Responding to a question he noticed that the demand of Tool Tax twice at Karachi Northern Bypass which tantamount to double taxation would be addressed in accordance with law in the larger public interest.

The FTO also assured to monitor the expensed being made by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) from export development surcharge meant for the promotion of export trade in accordance with relevant legal provisions but grossly misused.

In his welcome address, President LCCI, Ismail Suttar said that the institution of FTO has risen to the expectations of those about one million Pakistanis who had fallen prey to official apathy, incompetence and maladministration.

It is the satisfaction for all concerned that this institution has disposed off about 70,000 cases by the end of 2013 which is really quite appreciative and an exemplary performance for other public institutions. The FTO Office is also watching the pending cases of sales tax refund claims amounting to more than Rs. 97 billions and the issues relating to this matter.

In our opinion the reduction of the rate of sales tax and income tax, as has been suggested by the business community, will not only reduce the complaints against the tax collecting agencies but also will broaden the tax-base in the country.

Regarding the matter that when your FTO decides any case against the FBR, who file an appeal with the Office of the President of Pakistan and this takes quite a long time to be decided and thus the significance of your justified judgment goes in vain. This has been a general conception amongst the business community.

Earlier Advisor to FTO Office, Quetta, Mr. Justice (R) Muhammad Nadir Khan, Advisor to FTO Regional Office, Karachi, Manzoor Ahmed Kureshi and President, Lasbela Chamber, Ismail Suttar highly appreciated the office of FTO, which is a last resort for the aggrieved members of the business community to get relief.

He said that it is quite encouraging that majority of members of Lasbela Chamber have no issues pertaining to taxation because of the efficiency of commissionrate of Inland Revenue, Hub and the Collectorate of Customs at Gaddani.

However he invited the attention of the FTO towards the problems of general nature like delay in issuing the Refund Cheques by FBR, the matters of expenses made from the fund of export development surcharge etc.

Dr. Muhammad Aslam, former President LCCI, appreciated the visit of FTO along with his colleagues to the Lasbela Chamber. He also appreciated the business community that always plays the role of economic engine to ensure the continuation of economic activities and growth.

Collector of Customs, Gaddani, Syed Tanvir Ahmed, Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue, Hub, Abdur Rehman Khilji, former President LCCI, Dr Muhammad Aslam and Chairman LCCI Taxation Committee, Iqbal Ismail also spoke on the occasion.

For more information, Contact:
Muhammad Farhan
Public Relations Officer
Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Ground floor, lieda office building, Hub, Dist. Lasbela,
Tel: (0853) 303410, 304461
Fax: (0853) 302431
E-Mail: farhanprolcci@yahoo.com

April 8, 2014

Rs223 m Technology Centre to be established in Hub – Ismail Suttar

Karachi, April 08, 2014 (PPI-OT): The joint project of TUSDEC (Technology Upgradation and Skill Development Company of Ministry of Industries, Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Lasbela Industrial Estate Development Authority (LIEDA) Light Engineering and Upgradation Centre (LEUC) would be completed in two years. The project has been executed at a cost of Rs223 million project at Hub is meant to provide an advanced facility of technology training to the less privileged Balochistan, this was announced by the President, LCCI Ismail Suttar at a press conference at LCCI office on Tuesday.

Ismail Suttar while appreciating the assistance being provided by ministry of industries, said that the construction of LEUC in Hub area with the joint efforts of government of Balochistan and funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADP) has already been started and would be completed in two years time.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), TUSDEC Basit Maqsood Abbasi informed on the occasion that the Light Engineering and Upgradation Centre (LEUC) at Hub being built at a cost of Rs. 223.00 million will facilitate the industries by providing the repair and maintenance services to them at competitive rates which would be an added incentive for cutting the cost of production, as they would not require to rush to Karachi and other places for this purpose. He also informed that the workers at the industries and other students will also be provided training in various trades in accordance with the needs of the industries enabling them to find their placements in the industries.

Ismail informed that the Chamber will try to get this centre affiliated with the Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology Khuzdar in order to upgrade the certification for the students being trained at this Centre.

This would provide an opportunity for the workers and students of Lasbela and Balochistan to get technical training according to the employers needs and in this way they will get employment opportunities thereby enhancing their living standards. The availability of trained workers at Hub and Lasbela will also provide an incentive for the investors to take positive decision about their investment in Balochistan, he added.

For more information, Contact:
Muhammad Farhan
Public Relations Officer
Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Ground floor, LIEDA office building, Hub, Dist. Lasbela,
Tel: (0853) 303410, 304461
Fax: (0853) 302431
E-Mail: farhanprolcci@yahoo.com

March 10, 2014

Lasbela industries to receive 4.5 cusecs water from Hub Dam

Karachi, March 10, 2014 (PPI-OT): In the wake of diminishing water storage at Hub Dam, the Secretary Irrigation and Power, Balochistan, Naseebullah Khan Bazai considering the situation and the importance of industrial operation has decided to supply 4.5 cusecs water daily basis to the industries of Hub and 3.00 cusecs for those outside LIEDA (Lasbela Industrial Estate Development Authority).

He said the balance quantity will be supplied to Public Health Engineering Department for domestic purposes. He requested the Secretary Industries and Commerce Department, Balochistan to share the cost of pumping of water from the Dam and to revise the rates of water for LIEDA.

As the Irrigation Department at Hub started curtailing supply of water to Hub Industries, the situation was quite alarming for smooth running of industrial operations, following which the Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) immediately taken the notice of the situation and requested the Chief Secretary, Balochistan and Secretary, Irrigation and Power Department, Balochistan to set up the distribution schedule of water in the crises situation after taking all stakeholders into confidence, keeping in view that the industries are the only consumers who are paying their water bills regularly.

Upon this initiative, the Bazai visited Hub and met with the delegation of the Chamber led by its Vice President, Anjum Rafatullha Khan and also comprising former President, Maqsood Ismail and the representatives from Gatron Industries, Otsuka Pakistan and Ismail Industries. Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Balochistan Masood Ahmed along with Managing Director, LIEDA, Sohail Mirza were also present. The Deputy Commissioner, District Lasbela Amir Sultan Tareen and XEN Public Health Engineering, Imran Aliani and other high ranking officers from irrigation and LIEDA were present.

Deputy Commissioner Lasbela has been asked to maintain law and order situation in the area from where the Hub Canal is passing in this period of crises.

Naseebullah Khan Bazai instructed the officers concerned to properly restore the controlled water supply to LIEDA for industries while ensuring that they are getting the quantity already decided.

V.P. LCCI, Anjum Rafatullah Khan and Former President Maqsood Ismail and other members of the Chamber thanked the Secretaries, Irrigation and Power and Industries and Commerce, Balochistan for their cooperation and favorable consideration keeping in view the genuine requirements of Industries at Hub.

February 21, 2014

Chairman Federal Board of Revenue has agreed that tax deposited by tax payers of Lasbela would be accounted for in revenue generation of Balochistan: Ismail Suttar

Islamabad, February 21, 2014 (PPI-OT): Mr. Ismail Suttar, President of Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in a Press Release issued today, has informed that during the meeting of LCCI delegation with Mr. Tariq Bajwa, Chairman FBR today at Islamabad, the Chairman FBR agreed that the inland revenue collected from tax payers having their business premises at Lasbela District would be accounted for in the revenue generated in Balochistan, irrespective of its collection anywhere in the country and being reported by any methodology by the authorized banks. This was stated by him during the discussion with LCCI delegation on the issue of reporting the collection of inland taxes generated in Balochistan.

The Chairman, FBR also agreed to provide total figures of the inland taxes generated from Hub and other parts of Lasbela District, so that the Government of Balochistan may assess the potential of tax generation in the area enabling them to provide further infra-structure and incentives for industrial progress in the Province. Member, FBR Inland Revenue (Operations) has been given the responsibility of providing the data of the revenue collection from Balochistan.

During the meeting Mr. Iqbal Ismail, Chairman, LCCI Taxation sub-committee raised the issue of inordinate delay in the issuance of sales tax refund cheques even after the issuance of RPOs. The Chairman FBR Mr. Tariq Bajwa agreed that the issuance of refund cheques are being delayed but he will try of reduce the time of issuance of such cheque to reasonable limit.

On the request of the Mr. Ismail Suttar, President LCCI, Mr. Tariq Bajwa agreed in principle to establish the Customs Dry Port at Hub, which will certainly provide an incentive to the investors and the industries currently operating at Hub and other parts of Balochistan and would contribute to the economic progress of Balochistan and its people. The Member (Customs) FBR Mr. Muhammad Nisar is looking into this matter in order to ensure the early establishment of Dry Port at Hub.

During the meeting the LCCI President thanked the Chairman FBR for giving a patient hearing to the LCCI delegation including Mr. Iqbal Ismail, Chairman LCCI Taxation sub-committee and appreciated the professional approach and leadership skills of Mr.,. Tariq Bajwa and the efforts of his team at FBR at Islamabad as well at Hub and Quetta, to steer the country out of the current economic crises, in line with policy of the present government. The LCCI President also lauded the sentiments of the Chairman FBR for the uplift of Balochistan as the most important task for him.

December 19, 2013

Ismail Suttar elected Vice President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry

Karachi, December 19, 2013 (PPI-OT): The President Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ismail Suttar has been elected unopposed Vice President of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) from Balochistan for the term of 2014.

The FPCCI has announced the result of one Vice President of FPCCI from Balochistan on Thursday after the withdrawal of his opponent. Ismail an elected member of executive committee of the FPCCI has also represented LCCI on FPCCI General Body during 2007- 2008. An industrialist, Ismail has a large manufacturing set ups at Hub, District Lasbela, Balochistan and Mithi, District Tharparkar, Sindh. He also remained Chairman of many standing committees of LCCI since 2007.

Ismail Suttar, MBA (Marketing) from International University, Missouri, USA, also remained Vice Chairman, National Mirror Committee (NMC) on Environmental management of PSQCA, Member, Salt institute, Washington, USA, Member, ICC IDD (International Committee for the control of Iodine deficiency disorders), Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee (Sales Tax) of FBR, Hub Circle (2007) member of Workers Welfare Board, Balochistan (2007, 2009, 2011), Member of EOBI Zonal Advisory Committee (2007), Balochistan Employees Social Security Institution, Balochistan (2007, 2008), LIEDA Works Committee (2007 onwards), LIEDA Board of Director (2009, 2013), Better Business Advisory Council, Government of Pakistan (2007), Advisory Committee for Common Facilitation Center, Hub (2010 onwards), Business Advisory Council, Balochistan (2008,), Balochistan Provincial Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012).

December 13, 2013

Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry hails European Union’s grant of GSP Plus status to Pakistan

Karachi, December 13, 2013 (PPI-OT): The Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has hailed the European Union’s grant of GSP Plus status to Pakistan terming it a blessing for country’s value-added sector especially textile exports.

In a statement LCCI President Ismail Suttar said that Pakistan was most deserving for this status as our exports were fast declining due to internal and external reasons particularly law and order situation and increase in cost of production and top of it we have to pay 11.5 per cent duty on access to the European market as compared to duty free access to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

He hoped that the new development would bring positive change and boost textile exports to the 27 European destinations. He lauded the efforts of Minister of Estate on Commerce Khurram Dastgir for getting this status from EU. He hoped that minister would strive further to fully utilize this tariff concession by giving level playing field to the exporters in the shape of utilities and infrastructural facilities.

He now appealed to the government to improve the supply of gas and electricity to the textile industry in order to realise the full potential of the GSP Plus advantage as without this the advantage cannot be achieved.

He also suggested that the government come up with a scheme of concessional finance facility for new projects and expansions that set up their own power generation based on fuel other than gas so that new capacity may be developed in the country.