I extend warm greetings to the Federal Board of Revenue and members of Pakistan Customs fraternity on International Customs Day on 26th January 2011. Pakistan being a founder member of General Agreement on Trade and Tariff (GATT) now WTO, was one of the most active member country. Our Ambassadors in Geneva and Customs Officers had worked day and night to build consensus while formulating the Agreement.
On this important occasion, the democratic government of Pakistan reiterates its commitment to World Customs Organisations' mission of facilitating secure Global trade and enhancing effectiveness and efficiency of Customs Administrations. Trade has been identified as the major catalyst for economic growth. In today's globalise world, adoption of innovative and efficient techniques and Cupertino among different stakeholders involved in international trade is of vital importance.
I have been informed that World Customs Organisation has announced that the International Customs community will celebrate 2011 as the Year of Knowledge with the theme: "Knowledge, a catalyst for Customs excellence". Importance of knowledge cannot be overestimated. In the face of the present day challenges being faced by the customs administrations, the need for acquiring appropriate knowledge has increased manifolds.
Pakistan Customs has been in the forefront of the liberalisation of tariff regimes according to the frameworks of World Trade Organisation (WTO) and simplification of procedures to support the nation's initiatives to enhance its trade performance.
However, as the Pakistani economy is integrating with global economy, I would like to remind the officers and staff of Pakistan Customs of the challenges before them and expectations of the stakeholders for a fair, speedy and transparent administration by striking the right balance between trade facilitation and enforcement of law.
I am confident that all the members of Pakistan Customs fraternity will strive hard to make their contribution to protecting the economic and security interests of the country and remain conscious and vigilant towards their duties and responsibilities.