Objectives of Customs online complaint management system highlighted

KARACHI: Wajid Ali, Director General of Customs, highlighted the main objectives of the online complaint management system and digital dashboard as minimizing the dispute resolution time; minimizing physical visits to Customs; better oversight by the senior management of Customs over each collectorate and improving Pakistan’s ranking in ease of doing business index as a result.

Pakistan Customs has developed the system in collaboration with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Pakistan office and the UNDP has emphasized that women entrepreneurs and young businessmen should also be encouraged to utilize the system to create a business-friendly environment in the country, promote equality and generate employment.

Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, President FPCCI, has welcomed the inauguration of Pakistan Customs online complaint management system & digital dashboard.

It was long-awaited for resolution of a myriad of complaints and issues pertaining to Customs as WeBOC had many shortcomings and a user-friendly system was highly-desired, he added.

It is pertinent to note that the inauguration ceremony took place at the Federation House, Karachi; which is home to FPCCI’s head office – the apex trade body of the country, having approximately 250 chambers, trade bodies and associations under its umbrella.

The inauguration was well-attended by prominent business personalities, traders, Customs agents and diplomats as well.

Suleman Chawla, SVP FPCCI, said that the apex body wants to create awareness and educate the business, industry and trade community of Pakistan on the system; as its success depends on how well and how quickly the system is adopted for lodging complaints vis-à-vis Customs-related matters.

Shabbir Mansha, VP FPCCI, said the Customs has rightfully chosen the platform of FPCCI; as it is uniquely positioned to popularize and create awareness on the system across all business sectors and all segments of the business community.

Engr M A Jabbar, VP FPCCI, pointed out that while the business community appreciates digitalisation, the Customs department should also work towards eliminating mismanagement and malpractices to reduce the incidence of complaints to start with.

Saqib Fayyaz Maggo, convener of FPCCI’s central standing committee on Customs, termed the launch of the online complaint management system as a milestone achievement in digitalisation and automation of trade and customs procedures in the country.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022