LUMS, PSW Sign MoU to Boost Trade Facilitation Capacity, Research

The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and Pakistan Single Window (PSW) 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 Pakistan Single Window (PSW) Head Office in Islamabad. The agreement was signed by Aftab Haider, Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Single Window, and Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost of LUMS, in the presence of senior officials from both institutions. The University was also represented by Dr. Muhammad Adeel Zaffar, Dean, Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB), and Dr. Syed Muhammad Hasan, Associate Professor of Economics.

Under the partnership, LUMS and PSW 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 organisations 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 Program.

Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost of LUMS, remarked, “LUMS is pleased to partner with Pakistan Single Window 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.”

Speaking on the occasion, Aftab Haider, CEO of Pakistan Single Window, 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.”

The MoU reflects the shared commitment of LUMS and PSW 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.