MoU signed: PSW, LUMS partner to strengthen trade facilitation ecosystem

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on capacity building, executive education, and research initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s trade facilitation ecosystem. The MoU signing ceremony was held at the PSW Head Office in Islamabad. The agreement was signed by Aftab Haider, PSW Chief Executive Officer, and Dr Tariq Jadoon, Provost of LUMS, in the presence of senior officials from both institutions. Also in attendance at the signing ceremony was Dr Muhammad Adeel Zaffar, Dean of the Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB), LUMS. Under the partnership, PSW and LUMS will collaborate to support capacity-building initiatives under the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Program for Probationary Assistant Collectors of Customs. The collaboration will focus on enhancing knowledge and professional competencies in areas related to cross-border trade, digital trade facilitation, logistics, data governance, and other domains aligned with PSW’s mandate. The two institutions will jointly design and deliver executive education programmes, technical trainings, seminars, and other professional development initiatives on mutually agreed terms. The partnership also provides a platform for both organizations to participate in each other’s conferences, workshops, policy dialogues, exhibitions, and related events to promote institutional collaboration and knowledge sharing. In addition, the MoU establishes a framework for developing joint research initiatives, policy papers, analytical studies, and other knowledge products focusing on digital trade, trade facilitation, cross-border trade systems, logistics, and data governance. These collaborative efforts are expected to contribute to academic research, support evidence-based policymaking, and generate practical insights for stakeholders engaged in Pakistan’s trade ecosystem, including participants of the PGD Programme. Speaking on the occasion, Aftab Haider, CEO of PSW, said, “Developing a modern and efficient trade ecosystem requires continuous investment in human capital and knowledge. Our collaboration with LUMS reflects PSW’s commitment to building institutional capacity, fostering innovation, and supporting the development of future leaders in customs and trade facilitation.” Dr Tariq Jadoon, Provost of LUMS, remarked, “LUMS is pleased to partner with PSW in advancing executive education and applied research that addresses national priorities. This collaboration combines academic excellence with practical expertise to create meaningful learning opportunities and contribute to strengthening Pakistan’s trade and customs landscape.” The MoU reflects the shared commitment of PSW and LUMS to advancing professional excellence, promoting research-driven policymaking, and supporting the modernization of Pakistan’s cross-border trade environment through collaborative learning and institutional engagement. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026