Marine departments linked with Single Window

Digitisation will reduce time, cost of cross-border trade

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Single Window (PSW), in collaboration with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, has integrated the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD) and the Marine Mercantile Department (MMD) with its network of digitally connected entities.

MFD regulates exports of fish and fishery products from Pakistan while MMD is responsible for regulating the export of used passenger and cargo ships, oil tankers, liquid cargo carriers and fishing trawlers. The internal working of both departments was manual and paper-based, prone to fraud and forgery besides being time-consuming.

The digitisation is a significant step towards improving supply chain efficiency and safety. Exports of fish and fishery products play a vital role in the economy as they hold the potential to earn millions in foreign exchange.

Speaking about the initiative, PSW CEO said, “Integration of the MFD and the MMD with PSW is the recognition of the importance of this sector in enhancing cross-border trade, particularly exports.”

He voiced hope that the integration would not only reduce the time and cost of cross-border trade but would also help modernise and reform the two departments.

The integration will be followed by phased implementation of the Port Community System, which has been designed in consultation with all maritime stakeholders and international experts.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2023.

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