Federal Minister for Finance, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here on Wednesday chaired the 4th meeting of the Steering Committee on Integrated Transit Trade Management System (ITTMS) to review the progress achieved so far. Advisor to PM on National Security and Foriegn Affairs Sartaj Aziz was also present.
At the outset of the meeting, the Chairman FBR briefed the chair about implementation of decisions taken in the last meeting. The Country Representative, ADB, Werner Liepach gave a presentation to the meeting and informed that an Aide Memoire with draft Project Processing Documents including Draft LARPs (Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plans) had been shared with the FBR for endorsement before ADB Board Meeting. The ADB, it may be mentioned is the financier of the ITTMS project along with the GoP. Thereafter the meeting had a detailed review of the procedures for the selection of Project Director. The Chair, with the consensus of the house, ordered formation of a high powered Committee to carry out selection of the Project Director. The Finance Minister on this occasion desired that the project should be completed on priority basis as it envisioned transforming Pakistan into regional trading hub.
The ITTMS project aims at developing border crossing point infrastructure and facilities at Torkham, Chaman, and Wagha to a standard that meets users' demand for quality border crossing services and can help facilitate border trade. It also envisages enhancing knowledge and skills of border point operating agencies.