World Customs community celebrates the "International Customs Day" on 26th January, 2016. Basic purpose is to highlight the role of Customs in ameliorating lives of general public globally through opening up economies and connecting world trade through modern techniques. In Pakistan too, Customs plays a pivotal role in economic development through efficient targeted controls and the facilitation of legitimate trade. The year 2016 has been dedicated to promoting the digitalisation of Customs processes under the slogan "Digital Customs: Progressive Engagement".
The term Digital Customs refers to any automated or electronic activity that contributes to the effectiveness, efficiency, and co-ordination of Customs activities, such as, automated Customs clearance systems, the Single Window concept, electronic exchange of information, websites to communicate information and promote transparency, and the use of smart phones.
Pakistan Customs deserves special appreciation on the introduction and successful countrywide rollout of indigenously developed new software WeBOC (Web Based One Customs) for automated clearance. The department is moving on the path of modernisation and intends employing sophisticated equipment at border stations, airports and seaports.
I take the opportunity to state that, in an era of declining resources and increasing volumes of trade and travel, effective engagement and information exchange with all allied agencies and partners is a necessity for customs. The Customs clearance system, WeBOC, connects all internal and external users through electronic interface. It has the potential to become the lead system which connects all border agencies for data and information sharing so that the trader can enjoy a one-window facility making custom and border clearance much more facilitative, easy and faster for all businesses. Such positive outcomes will contribute significantly towards the realisation of Customs' objectives, including improved revenue collection, border security, the collection of trade statistic, and trade facilitation.
I also would like to congratulate all officers and officials of Pakistan Customs on this special day of global importance and hope that the department will continue its commitment in achieving revenue targets, facilitation of trade and passenger traffic, besides demonstrating efficiency to counter trafficking of drugs and smuggling of contrabands.