Karachi, June 15, 2023: Pakistan Single Window (PSW) has achieved a significant milestone by becoming an Associate Member of the Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance (PAA).
This international association brings together customs and trade service providers with the objective of promoting secure, trusted, and reliable IT infrastructure and facilities for efficient global trade and logistics services.
PSW’s membership in the alliance opens up a range of opportunities for the organization. It will be able to actively participate in various initiatives led by the PAA, aimed at establishing a secure and seamless trade regulatory document exchange network. This network facilitates the transmission and verification of trading documents through a cross-border blockchain platform, thereby reducing trade-related costs and enhancing overall trade efficiency.
Syed Aftab Haider, the CEO of PSW, expressed enthusiasm about the affiliation, stating, “We are excited about the international visibility and the chance to engage in international B2B and B2G data exchange projects. This membership aligns perfectly with our objective of positioning PSW as a center of excellence at both the national and international levels, while allowing us to learn from global best practices.”
On an international scale, the alliance’s establishment brings substantial benefits to Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). By promoting more standardized, transparent, and predictable processes, these businesses gain improved access to the global e-commerce marketplace, which is expected to reach a staggering $6.3 trillion this year. PSW’s operations focus on eliminating clearance bottlenecks while enhancing safety and security, ensuring that the advantages of global trade flow to Pakistani businesses.
The announcement of PSW’s membership took place during the 67th Steering Committee meeting of the PAA in Auckland, New Zealand. The event was hosted by TradeWindow, a leading customs and trade service provider in the country. As a member of the PAA, Pakistan Single Window now joins a network comprising 17 single window operators from Asia, Oceania, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The forum actively engages in regional and international consultation sessions with organizations such as the World Customs Organization, ASEAN, UNCEFACT, and others.
Pakistan Single Window, an initiative led by Pakistan Customs, is dedicated to streamlining Pakistan’s cross-border trade processes and eliminating the reliance on paper-based manual procedures. The institution aims to provide an integrated electronic platform that enables all parties involved in international trade and transport to submit standardized information and documents through a single-entry point. This innovative approach simplifies import, export, and transit regulatory requirements, reducing both time and cost burdens associated with doing business.
In summary, PSW’s inclusion as an Associate Member of the Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance marks a significant step toward expanding its global outreach. By participating in the alliance’s initiatives, PSW is poised to enhance trade efficiency, reduce costs, and provide Pakistani businesses with improved access to the global e-commerce marketplace. This development aligns with PSW’s objective of becoming a center of excellence, both domestically and internationally, while actively contributing to global best practices in trade facilitation.
