KARACHI: The implementation of Integrated Transit Trade Management System (ITTMS) is in the doldrums due to unavailability of funds from International donors, it has been learnt reliably.
According to details, the Directorate General of Transit Trade prepared a “working paper” in connection with the execution of Integrated Transit Trade Management System (ITTMS) keeping in view the safety of cargo in Oct 2013.
The recommendations incorporated in the working paper included installation of scanners at Chaman, Torkhum and Wagah borders to ensure safety of transported cargo, high quality weighing scale, weighing machines, images energizers, high standard software and tracing system for monitoring transportation of cargo through a fully automated system. Later, the “working paper” was sent to the FBR Headquarters for further study.
In this regard, a donors’ conference was held in December, 2013 wherein the government authorities and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) sought International community’s investment to execute and implement the project.
The United States Assistance for International Development (USAID) and other international donors’ agencies attended the conference and expressed their interest in implementation of ITTMS. However, no practical step could be taken in this regard so far.
It is to be noted that a committee comprising government and FBR officials was also constituted for the purpose but it also failed to produce any result in this regard.
Meanwhile, a senior officers of the Directorate General of Transit Trade-FBR, seeking anonymity, informed Customs Today that huge funds were required for the execution of ITTMS and it could not be possible without the assistance of international community.
He said that implementation of ITTMS needed calibre software, modern machinery and tracing system which entail sufficient finance.
“The execution of ITTMS will certainly boost the economic activities and will magnify Pakistan’s significance in the region”, he added.
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