Karachi, December 7, 2024 – Pakistan Single Window (PSW), in collaboration with Alibaba, one of the world’s leading e-commerce platforms, is working on an innovative e-commerce module aimed at enhancing the clearance process for cross-border trade.
According to Muhammad Asim Awan, Deputy Collector of Customs and Domain Officer at PSW, the module will integrate all e-commerce-related stakeholders into a unified platform. This initiative is designed to address several challenges faced in the e-commerce sector, including the complexities of trade documentation and clearance.
Awan shared this information during a recent meeting with officials from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). He highlighted the pressing need for technological solutions to streamline Pakistan’s cross-border trade, noting that a significant portion of trade activities is subject to regulatory processes. Currently, 67% of all import declarations and 12% of exports require various permits, certifications, and approvals from different government departments. When factoring in State Bank’s forms for imports and exports, this figure reaches 100%, demonstrating the bureaucratic hurdles businesses face.
The integration of the e-commerce module will help facilitate smoother transactions by connecting customs, importers, exporters, logistics providers, and other relevant entities into a single platform. This collaboration with Alibaba aims to increase efficiency, reduce clearance times, and promote transparency in trade operations.
PSW’s broader vision includes enhancing Pakistan’s trade landscape by leveraging technology. The introduction of a single window for trade offers multiple benefits, such as improved government revenue, better compliance with regulations, faster processing times, and reduced red tape. According to Awan, PSW will trigger a digital transformation in trade-related public sector entities, further improving port operations and logistics through innovative solutions.
Looking ahead, PSW will also integrate several key stakeholders, including the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DARP), the Board of Investment (BOI), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and various private sector service providers. This integration is expected to make the clearance process faster and more efficient, saving time and money for businesses. Furthermore, PSW plans to enhance the functionality of the Web-Based One Customs (WeBOC) system and expand international collaborations with countries like China and Egypt, as well as the International Plant Protection Convention’s (IPPC) e-Phyto Hub, aiming to modernize trade operations across borders.