Islamabad, November 23, 2021 (PPI-OT):Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Mr. Shaukat Tarin, presided over the second meeting of the Governing Council (GC) of Pakistan Single Window (PSW) held at Finance Division today. The Federal Minister for Science and Technology Mr. Shibli Faraz, Secretary Commerce, Secretary Science and Technology, Governor SBP, Secretary to the Governing Council/Member Customs, FBR and senior officers from other ministries attended the meeting.
The Secretary of the Governing Council gave detailed presentation on the progress, achievements, goals, milestones and challenges under PSW program. He apprised that Pakistan Customs after detailed working, with support from local and international experts, has designed and implemented PSW’s operational, governance, revenue and functional models to ensure efficacy and sustainability.
The GC was updated on implementation status of decisions taken in the last meeting. The Secretary informed that an overarching legal framework is in place to support all initiatives under PSW. Despite delays in funding from donors and COVID induced problems, solid progress has been achieved on PSW implementation.
The CEO, PSW informed that the first phase of PSW is under roll out and will be completed in March, 2022. That would enable Pakistan to notify its commitments under Trade Facilitation Agreement of WTO. The Governor State Bank of Pakistan and other participating Ministries/departments provided update to the GC on their preparedness and co-operation in roll out of PSW system.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Mr. Shaukat Tarin while giving needed directives expressed satisfaction on the overall progress made to implement PSW. He lauded efforts of Pakistan Customs in FBR as the lead agency of PSW program. While assuring full support to the deep-rooted reforms being undertaken under PSW program, Mr. Tarin urged stronger collaboration with both public and private sector in order to create ownership and awareness.
He directed PSW to focus on its outreach activities and allow private sector to judge performance of its system. Successful implementation of PSW is a major objective of current government in order to promote trade competitiveness through enhanced transparency and efficiency, he added. Lastly, all the involved ministries and stakeholders agreed on extending their cooperation and full support to make this program successful.
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