ISLAMABAD, Aug 18: The value of dutiable imports increased by 9.08 per cent during the first month of the financial year 2003-04, over the same month of last year.

Official figures released by the Central Board of Revenue here on Monday showed that the total value of dutiable imports stood at Rs38.239 billion in July 2003, as against Rs35.055 billion over the corresponding month of last year, indicating an increase of Rs3.184 billion.

On the other hand, the value of total imports declined by 4.59 per cent in July this year to Rs55.396 billion against imports amounting to Rs58.059 billion over the corresponding month of last year.

And the value of duty-free imports declined by 25.4 per cent during the same month under review to Rs17.157 billion against Rs23.004 billion of corresponding month of last year.

Tax officials said that due to increase in the value of dutiable imports in July, the customs collection increased by more than 28 per cent, over the same month of last year.

They said that dutiable imports would further increase in the following months due to picking up of economic activity in the country.