20000419

EPB urged to allow exports to Afghanistan

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The Convenor of Chaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in a letter to the Minister of State and Chairman of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), has urged him to allow all exports to Afghanistan, including potatoes, within the scope of the export policy order 1999-2000 and SRO 1115(1)/99 of October 28,1999 so that exporters do not lose this market to others.

He said that in view of the bumper potato crop, this year, some members of the Chaman chamber had been able to find some importers of potatoes in Afghanistan.

He said that the exporters, contrary to the provisions of the export policy order 1999-2000 and SRO 111(5)/99 of the Ministry of Commerce (under which exports are made to Afghanistan via land route, against Pak rupee, on filing of the regular shipping, without form "E") were asked by EPB Quetta office to with EPB Karachi office memorandum NO 6(15)/MISC 98/E.R. Cell of August 27,1998, and produce copy of LC or proof of advance payment or any other permissible mode of payment, etc.

He pointed out that this office memorandum issued on August 27,1998 did not cover Afghanistan for which SRO No 111(5)/99 stood valid and no form "E" was required.

He said country would sustain huge losses if potatoes, with short storage life, were not allowed for to be exported to Afghanistan.