Pakistan Single Window (PSW) is a national single window initiative under the TFA of the WTO. It is designed to streamline the process of registering and verifying goods and services in the country. It also provides value-added services, paperless processing, and penalties for inaccurate or tampered data.
Value-Added Services
Value-Added Services (VAS) in Pakistan Single Window (PSW) aims at providing a single point of access for all trade-related information. It was launched in March 2022 in compliance with Article 1.2 of the TFA. It is overseen by a Governing Council that includes the minister of finance, federal secretaries from key ministries, and representatives from the private sector.
The PSW is a government-led program aimed at reducing business costs in the ports of Pakistan and ensuring the seamless delivery of value-added services. It consists of an ICT-based system that will integrate 75 different regulatory departments to create a single point of entry for cross-border trading. The PSW Governing Council is comprised of prominent stakeholders and private sector subject specialists who are responsible for overseeing the project and removing hurdles. The Finance Minister serves as the chair of the Governing Council. Other members include the Secretary of Commerce, the M/o NFS&R, the Secretary of Maritime Affairs, and the Secretary of Science & Technology.
The PSW will streamline the export and import process, which will ultimately improve the country’s competitiveness in the global market. It will help the country become a hub for international and regional trade by promoting transparency and efficiency and leveraging information technology. It will also help companies comply with international trade regulations.
Pakistan Single Window has signed an agreement with TradeLens, a blockchain-based logistics platform supported by five of the world’s largest ocean carriers, to digitize the import-export documentation for containerized cargo moving in and out of Pakistan. Such technology-driven initiatives are rapidly transforming Pakistan’s international trade ecosystem. And Pakistan Single Window is leading the way with this initiative. By bringing the latest technologies to the market, it aims to make the trade process faster and more efficient.
Pakistan Single Window is a technologically-based facility that connects all parties in trade, transit, and transportation. The system makes it easier for companies to process transactions, by eliminating the need to provide the same information at multiple points. With these capabilities, businesses can streamline their processes and save hundreds of millions of dollars.
Connected Government
There is much debate about Pakistan’s Local Government System, particularly since the October 2008 election. It’s a debate involving representatives of many levels of government, academics, policy analysts, columnists and media commentators, and civil society organizations. But this debate has often lacked a voice from the people who need services. In October 2008, the Urban Institute and ACNielsen conducted a national survey to explore the citizen’s perspective on the matter.
The study also focuses on the literature on e-government and the different e-readiness models. The results of the study show that the implementation of e-government in Pakistan needs a multi-stage approach. It must also take into account the uniqueness of the Pakistani society. The study also analyzes the potential barriers to implementing the system, such as lack of skilled personnel and legal and security issues.
The government of Pakistan is addressing these challenges by introducing technology and improving the quality of services. Currently, over 64 million people in Pakistan have access to the internet, and 62 million are connected to mobile data. As a result, citizens are demanding better digital services from their government. To meet these expectations, the Punjab government has undertaken a series of reforms and initiatives aimed at modernizing its public services. Through the Punjab Public Management Reform Program, the province hopes to improve citizens’ access to administrative services while boosting public employee performance and resource management.
There is a great deal of work to do in the digital sphere in Pakistan. Some of these initiatives include the Table-based Price Collection System, which enables the government to collect data on the retail price index, wholesale price index, and sensitive price indicator. Another is the development of Android-Based Software for HR management and inventory management.
Imran Khan has used the ejection of the previous government to rally his supporters and command media attention. His supporters – primarily middle-class and young people – are furious over the unceremonious removal of the government. They are repeating his words on social media and arguing that the corrupt politicians in power are the culprits for the problems plaguing Pakistan. Ultimately, this campaign is testing the limits of political confrontation with the military.
Paperless Processing
The implementation of a paperless processing system at Pakistan Single Window (PSW) is the next step towards implementing the digital trade regime. This new system will eliminate the need for multiple documents, forms and physical visits. It will also offer a unified registration system for economic operators, enabling them to fill out one integrated declaration form instead of many. Moreover, the platform will integrate with other databases, including the country’s e-commerce and payment systems.
A paperless process at Pakistan Single Window will reduce the time and effort involved in the clearance process. It will bring all government agencies and the Commercial Banks under one roof, allowing traders to conduct all financial transactions with a single click. The process of Customs clearance will be streamlined, thanks to a streamlined approach to cargo management and reporting.
The new system will also offer an e-payment system, reducing the need for banks, OGAs, and customs offices. The Pakistan Single Window will also include a knowledge-based management system, appointment system, and more. This system will help Pakistan’s exporters and importers to meet the demands of the TFA.
Paperless processing at Pakistan Single Window is one of the most important steps towards transforming the international trade ecosystem in Pakistan. Increasing transparency and predictability will lead to better governance and reduced corruption. It will also improve the competitiveness of the country by reducing the cost of import and export transactions to regional averages and reducing the time taken to complete each transaction. This savings will be passed on to traders.
Paperless processing at Pakistan Single Window (PSW) is a key element of the economic development strategy of Pakistan Customs. By using WeBOC-Glo, the customs agency is able to automate routine custom processes and reduce processing time while maintaining transparency and integrity. The system has been designed to ensure the efficient deployment of resources.
Since COVID-19 hit the world, Pakistan Customs played a pivotal role in the recovery of trade. It ensured that the import and export of food, medicine, and medical supplies were processed and delivered to the victims as quickly as possible. Dedicated helplines and email facilities were also set up to help companies with their customs clearances. Additionally, the Customs authorities communicated regularly with the government and other stakeholders in the country.
Penalties for tampering with or submitting incorrect data
The PSW has been implemented in line with the Trade Facilitation Agreement between the World Trade Organization and Pakistan. It was introduced to provide access to a wide range of data and improve transparency. The Government of Pakistan was obliged to build the system as a sign of commitment to the GATT Commitment to Transparency and agreed to implement it by 31 March 2022. The system is designed to provide data on any item/HS code, including statistics on trade between countries.
The PSW aims to facilitate trade and reduce the cost of doing business in Pakistan. It has been launched in two phases: the initial phase on 30 June 2022, and the trial rollout was completed in July 2017. The platform integrates various government agencies and offers a number of services. To date, 29 commercial banks and the State Bank of Pakistan have integrated their systems to the Pakistan Single Window platform. The system will replace electronic Forms E and I.
The single window service is a comprehensive and efficient platform for submitting all import and export data, transit data, and other information. Its benefits include time savings and the elimination of multiple submissions to multiple government entities. The system is designed to facilitate trade and to provide greater transparency for all parties.
