Message from Federal Minister for Finance

I wish to extend warm felicitations to the Federal Board of Revenue and Pakistan Customs on the occasion of the 59th Anniversary of International Customs Day on January 26, 2011. Pakistan joins other World Customs Organisation members in celebrating this landmark day. It affords us an opportunity to reaffirm WCO's mission of enhancing effectiveness and efficiency of Customs Administrations.
International Customs Day, amongst other things, marks the global character of custom formations, which are ever more closely knit due to pressing demands of international trade for seamless flow of cargo across international borders. International trade practices and patterns have undergone enormous changes in the globalise economy. This change demands significant innovation and improvement in customs procedures and operations.
Federal Board of Revenue and Pakistan Customs has undergone major changes in the recent past to meet the challenges of the changed trade environment. A number of initiatives have been undertaken for automation of Customs procedures and facilitation of trade along with measures to secure International trade.
However, the need for continuous research and knowledge based reforms cannot be overemphasized. The prime importance of knowledge and innovation has rightly prompted the World Customs Organisation to announce that the international Customs community will celebrate 2011 as the Year of Knowledge with the theme: "Knowledge, a catalyst for Customs excellence".
I am confident that FBR and Pakistan Customs will not only focus on acquiring the relevant knowledge but also put it into practice to make its operations more efficient, transparent and effective. Let me also avail this opportunity to stress upon Pakistan Customs to step up its efforts, heighten co-operation with international customs and business community, enhance information sharing with other organisations and adopt best practices whilst demonstrating the highest level of integrity. I wish FBR and Pakistan Customs, success in their endeavours to facilitate legitimate trade, prevent smuggling and fulfil our obligation to protect and safeguard our society.