Karachi, July 29, 2024 – Mehmood ul Hasan Awan, General Secretary of the Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA), announced that for the first time in KCAA’s history, a virtual meeting was held on July 27, 2024, between the Karachi Customs Agents Association and the Chattogram Customs Agents Association. Representatives from the Chattogram Customs Agents Association attended the meeting, including Quazi Mahmud Imam (Bilu), General Secretary; Md. Altaf Hossain Chowdhury (Bachchu), 1st Vice President; and Mohammad Saifuddin, Finance Secretary. During the meeting, the Chattogram Customs Agents Association shared their rules and regulations, highlighting international best practices adopted in their processes. They noted that upfront payment of customs duties and taxes is not required at the time of filing Goods Declarations. Approximately 80% of customs clearance is conducted through Green and Yellow channels, with only 20% of consignments requiring inspection. The Chattogram representatives also emphasized that shipping companies and freight forwarders provide better services due to existing shipping laws and regulations. They mentioned that the Customs Act had been updated in 2023, replacing the 1969 version. Both associations agreed on several points for joint cooperation to streamline processes and rectify malpractices in the industry: 1. Regional Cooperative Body: The KCAA proposed the creation of a regional cooperative body, similar to SAARC, for mutual development. It was also decided that other SAARC members would be consulted. 2. Communication: Both associations mutually agreed to form a WhatsApp group to share recent…