PESHAWAR: The Customs department is working hard for establishment of new tools to end corruption from trade policies throughout Pakistan. For the purpose, the customs has digitized all its clearance systems and export cargo centers in order to facilitate genuine trade.
This was stated by Assistant Collector Headquarters Asma Javed Paracha while giving an exclusive interview to Customs Today at Customs House Peshawar.
The customs department has introduced National Single Window system which will allow parties involved in trade and transport to file standardized information and documents at a single point of entry for all imports, exports, and transit-related regulatory requirements.
Customs Department has so far trained hundreds of government officials from key trade regulators to better understand the challenges involved in institutionalizing Pakistan’s National Single Window for trade.
“The National Single Window Initiative is one of the most critical reform efforts initiated in the trade-related public sector while introduction of Web Base One Customs service has minimized the risk of corruption and mis-declaration.”
Assistant Collector Asma Javed Paracha further informed that this system has the capacity to transform and modernize traditional way of doing business by introducing various trade-related processes and procedures in an automated, paperless environment leading to significant savings to Pakistan’s trade in terms of time and costs.
This development will also have a positive impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector regulatory bodies.
Around the world, bureaucratic processes that burden traders deter business and discourage exports. Boosting exports and enhancing the competitiveness of Pakistani industries is integral to overcome the current trade imbalance.
A National Single Window will expedite the process of cross-border trade, enabling businesses to expand their operations and the government to reduce unnecessary delays.
The National Single Window is only one component enduring efforts to support Pakistan’s economic growth by enabling private sector investment, promoting a vibrant agricultural sector, fostering a strong business enabling environment, and expanding trade opportunities.
Asma Javed Paracha further expressed that the corruption in customs department has been discouraged and officials involved in mis-declaration and malpractices will be dealt with iron hands in order to formulate easy and corruption free trade mechanism in the country.
Assistant collector appreciated Collector of Customs Muhammad Saeed Jadoon for his efforts in order curb corruption from Customs House Peshawar.
