DRAP, MoFA among others to be integrated with PSW

In a detailed presentation, titled "Latest Initiatives and Future Projects of PSW," about the services of the Pakistan Single Window (PSW), Deputy Collector Customs and Domain Officer PSW, Muhammad Asim Awan, outlined upcoming integrations aimed at streamlining trade operations. He stated that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), Board of Investment (BOI), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), and private sector entities such as laboratories, pre-shipment inspection companies, and transporters will soon be incorporated into PSW. This integration, he added, is expected to deliver the most efficient, hassle-free, and rapid services to the business community.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Awan highlighted the significant time and cost savings the integration would bring to the trade sector. "All regulatory functions at the port will be unified, resulting in saving an average of three days per consignment and reducing costs by $50 per container," he explained.

The domain officer further highlighted plans for the technical and functional enhancement of the Web-Based Online Customs (WeBOC) system. These upgrades will integrate the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) treatment providers and external laboratories, alongside enabling international interoperability with platforms such as China Single Window, Egypt's system, and the e-Phyto Hub of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

Discussing a future e-commerce module, Awan disclosed that PSW, in collaboration with the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, is developing a unified platform to bring all e-commerce stakeholders together. This platform aims to address several challenges related to the burgeoning e-commerce sector.

Providing insights into Pakistan's cross-border trade environment, Awan revealed that 67% of all imported goods declarations (GDs) and 12% of all exports are regulated, necessitating permits, No Objection Certificates (NOCs), certifications, or licenses from various authorities. When considering import and export forms linked to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), this regulation reaches 100%.

"The single-window initiative offers numerous benefits, including increased government revenue, improved compliance, enhanced efficiency in resource allocation, better trade statistics, faster clearance times, greater transparency, and reduced bureaucracy," he remarked.