‘PSW to revolutionise trade operations with new integrations’

KARACHI: Deputy Collector of Customs and Domain Officer at the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) Muhammad Asim Awan announced on Thursday that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), Board of Investment (BOI), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and private-sector service providers, including laboratories, pre-shipment inspection companies, and transporters, will be integrated into the PSW to deliver efficient, hassle-free and speedy services to the business community.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Awan delivered a presentation titled ‘Latest Initiatives and Future Projects of PSW’. He explained that integrating all regulatory functions at the port would save an average of three days per consignment and reduce costs by $50 per container.

“ WeBOC will also undergo technical and functional upgrades, and DPP treatment providers and external labs will be integrated. International integrations with platforms like China Single Window, Egypt, and the e-Phyto Hub of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) are also in progress,” he added.

Awan further disclosed that the PSW, in collaboration with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, is designing an e-commerce module. This platform will bring all e-commerce stakeholders together, streamlining processes and resolving related issues effectively.

Discussing Pakistan’s cross-border trade landscape, he highlighted that 67 per cent of all imported goods declarations (GDs) and 12 per cent of all exports require permits, NOCs, certifications, or licenses from various departments. If the State Bank’s import and export forms are included, regulatory coverage reaches 100 per cent.

Awan highlighted the benefits of the PSW, including increased government revenue, enhanced compliance, improved resource efficiency, better trade statistics, faster clearance times, greater transparency and reduced bureaucracy. “The PSW is a transformative programme expected to overhaul the cross-border trade landscape, trigger digital transformation in trade-related public entities, and improve port operations and logistics through technology and innovation,” he said.

KCCI President Jawed Bilwani, addressing the seminar, noted the high level of interest among stakeholders, reflecting their eagerness to understand and promote PSW services.He remarked that during the development of the PSW, the business community had anticipated reduced costs of doing business and quicker goods clearance, eliminating demurrage and detention charges. However, delays in goods clearance persist, causing significant financial losses for businesses. He urged the PSW to adopt a more effective strategy to address these issues.

Bilwani also praised the self-clearance system introduced under the PSW, widely utilised by KCCI members. “We are keen to know how many individuals are using the self-clearance facility, how many join the PSW annually, and how long it will take to include all exporters and importers in the system,” he said. He stressed the need for steps to encourage businesses to join the PSW, as it would help reduce operational costs and improve efficiency.