In May 2021, DAI, the implementer of the USAID’s Pakistan Regional Economic Integration Activity (PREIA) – a key component of USAID Pakistan’s overall economic development program – engaged IOS Partners, Inc. to provide technical support for the development of a Port Community System (PCS). The objective of this technical assistance is to lay the foundation for the development of the PCS to be implemented at Karachi, Bin Qasim and Gwadar ports in Pakistan and therefore to improve the conditions for international and cross-border trade and transit by simplifying and harmonizing border clearance and other related customs procedures. IOS’ team of experts will concentrate their efforts on developing the business requirement specifications for the PCS that include reengineered processes, detailed functional requirements, development artifacts, and UML diagrams for all the PCS core processes for selected government agencies. The team will also develop the Terms of Reference that will allow for the procurement or development of the PCS solution. The proposed PCS will focus on interoperability, reliability, and security and will lead to the following outcomes:
- Integration of all stakeholders in port operations;• Single access point for port operations;
- A platform for port and customs-related document processing;
- Lower costs for port operations;
- Access to necessary information useful to stakeholders in the supply and transport chain;
- Reduced transaction time for traders; and
- Greater transparency and security of information.
The IOS Partners team looks forward to furthering the development of Pakistan’s trade sector by improving the country’s competitiveness in international markets.
