ISLAMABAD: With a delay of more than three months, Pakistani Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has convened the first meeting of high-powered committee to set up Integrated Transit Trade Management System (ITTMS) at border customs stations to facilitate trade with neighbouring countries.
The 13-member committee constituted by the prime minister in January was tasked to recommend solution and way forward for trade facilitation, security of supply chain, infrastructure for developing better controls and advance and integrated use of technology with swift customs operations.
In December 2012, the PPP-led coalition government in its Strategic Trade Policy Framework (2012-15) announced the establishment of Pakistan Land Port Authority (PLPA), but bureaucratic red tape and nonseriousness of the government caused much delay in the implementation of this crucial project.
On Friday, finance minister constituted a sub-committee to make a concept paper outlining the detailed work plan. Moreover, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will prepare PC1 for the project. Dar said on a parallel track all stakeholders would also provide inputs and proposals for establishing “Land Port Authority” to be responsible for looking after the project on permanent basis.
The sub-committee consisting of four members secretaries defence, commerce, chairman FBR and a representative of ADB will visit the sites to review the existing arrangements and identify the impediments for future up gradation of the land ports.
INTERNEWS
