First phase of PSW to be completed in March 2022

Tarin satisfied over progress on implementation of initiative

ISLAMABAD:

The rollout of first phase of Pakistan Single Window (PSW) is underway and it will be completed in March 2022, said Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin.

Presiding over the second meeting of the governing council (GC) of Pakistan Single Window (PSW) at the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday, he expressed satisfaction on the overall progress made to implement the initiative.

Tarin lauded the efforts of Pakistan Customs and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) as the lead agency of the scheme.

While assuring full support for the deep-rooted reforms being introduced under the PSW program, he underlined the need to strengthen collaboration with both public and private sectors in order to create ownership and awareness.

“Successful implementation of Pakistan Single Window is a major objective of the current government, aimed at promotion of trade competitiveness through enhanced transparency and efficiency,” he said.

On the occasion, governing council secretary delivered a detailed presentation on the progress, achievements, goals, milestones and challenges of the Pakistan Single Window program.

He apprised the participants that Pakistan Customs had designed and implemented PSW’s operational, governance, revenue and functional models to ensure efficacy and sustainability.

The participants were updated on the implementation status of the decisions taken in the last meeting.

The secretary informed the meeting that an overarching legal framework was in place to support all initiatives under the Pakistan Single Winder. Despite delays in funding from donors and Covid-induced problems, solid progress has been achieved on the implementation of the scheme, he said.

PSW CEO told the participants that rollout of the first phase of the initiative was underway and it would be completed in March 2022. The scheme would enable Pakistan to notify commitments under the Trade Facilitation Agreement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), he said.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2021.

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