Karachi: Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), announced that Mr. Syed Aftab Haider, CEO of Pakistan Single Window (PSW), conducted a comprehensive briefing at Federation House. The session focused on governmental efforts to digitize and streamline customs procedures in accordance with World Trade Organization guidelines and international standards.

Mr. Sheikh emphasized the importance of educating Pakistan's business, industry, trade, and services sectors on PSW's capabilities and progress in customs digitalization. He noted that increased awareness would enhance the utilization of PSW services beyond the current pre-arrival goods declarations.

Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President of FPCCI, discussed PSW's objective of creating a unified electronic platform to efficiently regulate imports, exports, and transit trade. He highlighted the need for simplifying, harmonizing, and digitizing trade processes.

Mr. Asif Sakhi, Vice President of FPCCI, shared that the government and PSW have agreed to eliminate Advanced Payments on goods declarations starting July 8, 2025, based on FPCCI's recommendation. This move aligns with international best practices and supports trade promotion.

Mr. Syed Aftab Haider outlined Pakistan's commitment to modernizing and automating its trade systems, aligning with ongoing infrastructure investments in cross-border trade. He noted that Pakistan ratified the WTO's Agreement on Trade Facilitation in 2015, with PSW playing a pivotal role in compliance.

CEO PSW further revealed that, following FPCCI's request, the Rs. 500 charge will be waived to broaden the user base and maximize service utilization. Currently, 22 government departments are linked with PSW, which boasts a user base of 94,000 and has processed one million documents. Efforts are underway to connect with all 77 relevant departments.

Mr. Khurram Ijaz, Chairman of FPCCI's Advisory Council on Customs and Director of PSW, detailed PSW's goals, including transparent trade transactions, reduced costs and delays, seamless banking for trade, and enhanced ease of doing business for women traders, along with boosting exports and foreign direct investment.