ISLAMABAD: With a delay of more than three months, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday 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 non-seriousness 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.

For the time being, FBR will be the focal operating authority for the project.

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 upgradation of the land ports.

Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz informed the committee on Friday that other regional countries were fast developing their ports and transit trade facilities.

Aziz suggested in order to develop an integrate transit trade, Pakistan will have to consider signing TIR Convention 1975. He proposed that the steering committee should recommend adopting of the convention by Pakistan.

The adviser said, “We have to provide a transparent and corruption free system at our land ports with strong on the ground monitoring mechanism to match the international standards”.

Chairman FBR Tariq Bajwa in a detailed presentation identified that there were space constraints at all border stations, inadequate and non-integrated scanning facilities at Karachi and Wahga, no scanning facility at other land ports, poorly equipped and untrained workforce, and delayed clearances.

The committee was also informed that the ADB is expected to provide funds up to $100 million for the project.

Dar said that trade facilitation measures require realistic timeframes that have to include long-term implications, acquire the support of all stakeholders and to take into consideration the financial viability of projects.

He emphasised that in the planning phase we must think of 50 years ahead and develop concept papers accordingly.

He directed the FBR to simultaneously develop integrated master plan for ITTMS for both land and sea ports. “We have to move on fast track and advance our targets,” he remarked.

He also directed the committee to collect relevant data from ministries concerned of all the pending agreements on transit trade and their latest status.