PSW launches helpline

LAHORE: Pakistan Single Window (PSW) launched a dedicated Russian language helpline on Wednesday to benefit international transit trade with Central Asia.

The helpline service aims to address a language barrier faced by traders from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, who use Pakistani ports as transit routes for their imports and exports with Central Asia.

The helpline will provide guidance and facilitation to foreign traders for ensuring compliance with Pakistan's customs and trade regulations applicable on transit trade, PSW said in a statement.

PSW said it was incorporating a Russian language option in the WeBOC system, an online platform for filing and processing transit declarations, to further assist traders and their authorized clearing agents.

"These steps underscore PSW's dedication to providing comprehensive solutions for international traders and facilitating Pakistan's transit potential," the statement said. Pakistan signed transit agreements with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan last year as part of its vision to position itself as a trade, transit, and transshipment hub, and to promote regional connectivity with Central Asia and beyond.

PSW expects the Russian helpline service, which operates from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm, to not only reduce language barriers but also foster increased trade by providing ease of doing business and access to information.