Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce, Industries and Production, Textile and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood has said that rice is the largest agro export commodity in the export basket of the country with a total export of over $2 billion, which will be increased up to $5 billion in coming five years.
In a meeting with a delegation of the Rice Exports Association of Pakistan (REAP), led by Syed Almas Haider, to chalk out policy proposals, the adviser appreciated all the proposals and ensured full cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce in this regard.
Abdul Razak Dawood also advised the delegation to introduce new varieties of rice to enhance production and quality by investing in Research and Development. All bottlenecks regarding export of rice will be removed forthwith through effective coordination and cooperation with all the relevant ministries and departments, he assured.
He mentioned that rice exports are on upward trajectory in China and Indonesia due to additional market access secured by the government. He said that the government intends to take export to the highest level ever. He said that the government is taking different measures for export enhancement including reclaiming traditional markets besides accessing to new markets.
REAP President Almas Haider appreciated the government endeavors to boost exports of traditional and non-traditional products. The delegation presented various proposals to materialize the envisaged target which include better farm practices, higher yields through water management, mechanical transplanting, drying and storage and BMR of existing rice mills.
The REAP delegation ensured that the rice would be exported as per quality and standard to the markets like Iran, Qatar and China where additional market access has been recently gained by Pakistan.
FBR DIRECTS STAFFERS: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued directions to all officers and officials and its field formations not to contact with any taxpayer or businessman in any form including physical visit, telephonic, mobile calls, SMS or email, except when legally authorized to do so.
The step has been taken to do away with fake communication from some quarters and to build confidence level of taxpayers. This policy shall come into force from November 1, 2019, and any officer or official found indulged in such activity shall be proceeded against strictly under the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964 read with Government Servants (E&D) Rules, 1973.
These directions shall apply to all formations of FBR being Inland Revenue (income tax, sales tax and federal excise duty) and customs. Taxpayers, business community and trade bodies are requested to assist in implementing this policy by reporting to the bureau any contravention of these directions.
