Zeeqaad 21, 1427
December 13, 2006
SELF-REGULATED AND UNLICENSED FREIGHT FORWARDERS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE TO TRADE & INDUSTRY
The decision to drop the proposal of licensing of Freight Forwarders agreed in a meeting held on 28th October 2006 in the Custom house between member Customs CBR and Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association (PIFFA), is not acceptable to the Stakeholders, said, A. Abdullah Zaki, Senior Vice President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He also criticized the suggestion of Customs authorities for self-regulation of the freight forwarders.
He urged that, this decision needs to be amended and modified in consultations with the representative of the business community, particularly KCCI and prominent export associations like Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA), Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturer Association (PHMA), All Pakistan Towel Manufacturer Association (APTMA), Pakistan Bedwear Exporters Association (PBEA), and other stakeholders.
Zaki, also mentioned that the self-regulation leading to monopoly of the freight forwarders is not acceptable to the importers/exporters and we completely disapprove it.
“If Freight Forwarders are not properly licensed and regulated by the competent authority the result would be disastrous for the business community”, said, Abdullah Zaki.
SVP, KCCI raised his concerns that the cargo handling activities (consolidate/ deconsolidate) of freight forwarders should be specified and regularized either by the Ministry of Ports & Shipping or Central Board of Revenue.
Abdullah Zaki further informed that Karachi Chamber was receiving complaints that Shipping Line/Agents along with Freight Forwarders are creating problems for Exporter/Importer, but he regretted that on such an important issues KCCI was not invited in the meeting of 28th October 2006 to give Chamber’s view on the issue concerning to freight forwarders.