"The Pakistan High Commissioner to Kenya, Zahid Hussain, called me, and said that consignments of 600 containers of Pakistani rice would be cleared on the previous import duty rate of 35 percent", said Mianoor.
The Kenya government will issue a letter to its revenue department in this regard on Monday, he said, adding that any demurrage charges would not be received on these Pakistani consignments stuck-up on the ports.
Mianoor said that Zahid Hussain held a meeting with Kenyan officials on Saturday, in which, Kenyan Acting Finance Secretary, Secretary Ministry of Finance and Trade, Secretary Finance, and other high official were present.
The envoy apprised them about situation, arose after the increase in import duty on Pakistani rice from 35 to 75 percent in January 2005 by the East African Community Custom Union.
He also told them that about 600 containers worth $4.5 million were stuck up at Mombasa port and impressed upon them for relaxation on import duty for these shipments.
Anwar Mianoor said that the Kenyan officials agreed that all the rice consignments stuck up at the ports would be cleared on the previous import duty of 35 percent and no demurrage charges would be collected on these containers.
He said that Pak envoy also insisted for permanent settlement of this issue and is in constant contact with Kenyan government in this connection.
Mianoor thanked the Kenyan government for taking this decision and appreciated the efforts of Zahid Hussain for resolving the issue.