The session was attended by representatives of Islamabad/Rawalpindi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, traders, businessmen and senior customs management including collector customs, Islamabad. The participants were given a detailed presentation on the concept of National Single Window and its potential benefits for Pakistan. The presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session that generated keen interest among the audience.
The team dilated upon various outreach sessions and training workshops conducted recently by the FBR on NSW and other aspects of trade facilitation. The participants welcomed the FBR's initiative of doing away with the traditional one-way communication of the past and starting a more engaging, interactive and productive partnership with the business community who are the future business leaders, leading the way in the use and adoption of new innovative technologies to drive socio-economic changes in the society.
The NSW initiative is a key trade facilitation tool that is increasingly being adopted by many advanced as well as developing economies around the world. Under the multilateral Trade Facilitation Agreement that entered into force on 22.02.2017, Pakistan is committed to establishing a trade-related 'National Single Window' in five years. The Prime Minister's Office vide its directive dated March 18, 2017 has approved the development of the NSW and designated Pakistan Customs as its lead agency keeping in view Customs' proven track record in successfully reengineering and automating customs related processes.
Accordingly, the FBR has established Program Management Office (PMO) in Customs Wing, FBR, which is responsible for the design, implementation, and management of the NSW in consultation and coordination with all stakeholders and development partners.
The PREIA is providing active technical assistance to the Pakistan NSW Initiative in order to ensure the development of the NSW in a structured manner. The Program Management Office (NSW), FBR, is planning to hold similar awareness sessions with relevant stakeholders in all major cities of the country. These sessions are aimed at eliciting support of the business community and exchange information and ideas on the current status and future direction of the project.