ISLAMABAD, April 7: The value of dutiable imports up by 13.57 per cent to Rs327.237 billion during July-March 2002-03 against Rs288.134 billion the same period last year, according to statistics released by the CBR on Monday.

The value of total imports during the period under review stood at Rs545.957 billion against Rs470.650 billion over the corresponding period of last year, showing an increase of 16 per cent. The statistics further showed that the value of duty-free imports during the period stood at Rs218.720 billion against Rs182.515 billion, showing an increase of 19.8 per cent.

According to a customs official, the rise in the value of dutiable imports showed that economic activities in the country were constantly picking up.

He said that a constant growth of 12 per cent was registered during the each month of the current financial year over the corresponding months of last year.