KARACHI: The establishment of a Trade Facilitation Board by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is seen as a major step forward in boosting Pakistan's economic growth and enhancing its international trade. Industry leader Mian Zahid Hussain has expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to reduce export costs, strengthen small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and better integrate Pakistan into global supply chains.

According to Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, the new board aims to tackle non-tariff barriers, logistical challenges, and port delays, which have been significant hurdles in cross-border trade. The board's initial meeting established ambitious targets to increase cargo clearance through the Green Channel to 65% and pre-arrival clearance to 30%, which is expected to streamline trade processes and save substantial foreign exchange.

Mian Zahid Hussain pointed out that Pakistan's current standing in the UN's 2025 Trade Facilitation Index is behind several regional and global counterparts, underscoring the need for improved data exchange and institutional cooperation in future phases. The initiative also includes the creation of a National Trade Performance Index and a roadmap for auditing non-tariff measures, which is intended to enhance transparency and efficiency.

The integration of modern techniques such as a 'One-Window' system for joint inspections and AI in Customs Risk Management is anticipated to facilitate smoother trade operations. Efforts to map barriers to connecting SMEs with global markets and attracting international shipping lines are expected to create jobs and expand the export base, aligning with Prime Minister Sharif's vision for economic development. The business community remains optimistic about the swift implementation of these measures to achieve set export targets.