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Today's Paper | September 18, 2024

Published 21 Aug, 2024 11:43pm

USAID concludes 9-year economic integration activity in Pakistan

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) celebrated the successful conclusion of an initiative that was instrumental in the launch of Pakistan Single Window — a digital platform serving as a single-entry point to fulfil all import, export, and transit-related regulatory requirements.

The conclusion of the Pakistan Regional Economic Integration Activity (PREIA) was marked at a roundtable event titled “Boosting Pakistan’s Trade Potential: Driving Regional Integration and Global Economic Success,” held the other day.

According to a statement, PREIA has been instrumental in advancing export growth, enhancing regional connectivity and integrating climate-responsive practices into Pakistan’s trade policies since its launch in 2015.

The event highlighted the broad impact of PREIA’s collaborative efforts, bringing together key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Commerce, Pakistan Single Window, the Board of Investment, and private sector leaders.

Kayt Erdahl, Acting Deputy Mission Director for USAID Pakistan, remarked on the programme’s achievements, stating, “The progress made through PREIA highlights the strength of our partnerships and our shared vision for a prosperous Pakistan. The groundwork laid by PREIA offers a strong foundation for future growth, and we look forward to seeing Pakistan’s public and private sectors build on this momentum.”

PREIA’s notable accomplishments include the launch of the Pakistan Single Window, which has streamlined trade processes, and the facilitation of smoother transit through the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) Convention. PREIA has also established crucial trade linkages with Central Asia and made significant progress in promoting gender inclusivity and integrating climate change considerations into trade practices.

Arsalan Ali Faheem, Chief of Party for USAID PREIA, highlighted the programme’s role in climate change mitigation and women’s entrepreneurship, noting, “By integrating climate-responsive practices and empowering women entrepreneurs, PREIA has not only enhanced Pakistan’s trade competitiveness but has also set the stage for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”

The event concluded with a call for continued collaboration to build on the progress made and drive future growth in Pakistan’s trade sector.

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