Introduction

Transforming Karachi's Business Landscape: The CLICK Project Paves the Way for a better future

The Competitive and Livable City of Karachi (CLICK) Project, a dynamic collaboration between the Sindh Investment Department (SID) and the World Bank, is making significant strides towards revolutionizing the business landscape of Karachi. CLICK Project is committed to fostering an environment conducive to economic growth, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness. The key components of this groundbreaking initiative include:

  • (A) Regulatory reform and simplification: Consolidated Business Registry (CBR) has been developed and endorsed by key regulatory departments. Over 130 Registrations, Licenses, Certificates, and other Permits (RLCOs) have been identified from 16 government departments. The CBR can now be accessed through CLICK website: www.business.gos.pk. This user-friendly online platform offers a convenient way to access the CBR and obtain essential information on regulatory requirements.

  • (B) Regulatory process mapping and re-engineering: Comprehensive studies of 16 key government regulatory departments have been conducted to optimize and streamline processes, fostering a business friendly environment for entrepreneurs and investors. Through detailed process mapping, critical reforms have been identified, with valuable input from private sector organizations and industry associations shaping this transformative initiative.

  • (C) Establishment of Sindh Business One Stop Shop (S-BOSS): The S-BOSS initiative establishes a centralized one-window operation, acting as a single interface between businesses and government regulatory departments. This state-of-the-art IT infrastructure aims to simplify interactions of businesses with government agencies thus reducing administrative hurdles.

    CLICK, PIU has meticulously crafted a comprehensive Rollout Plan and implementation plan for Sindh Business One Stop Shop (S-BOSS) ensuring a seamless transition towards this transformative platform. This strategic blueprint, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to efficiency, transparency, and progress. As we prepare to present this transformative plan to the cabinet for approval, we find ourselves on the cusp of a new era for Karachi, one characterized by innovation, collaboration, and prosperity. With the cabinet's endorsement, a journey will be embarked upon towards realizing the full potential of the CLICK Project, driving economic growth, fostering entrepreneurship, and ensuring a competitive and livable future for all. Moreover, with the impending establishment of Business Facilitation centers across Sindh, the implementation of S-BOSS is poised to proceed even more smoothly, further enhancing transparency, efficiency, and reducing discretion in business-government interactions.

    Additionally, the CLICK engaged Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, to conduct a study on identify constraints faced by women-owned and managed businesses in Karachi in the existing regulatory environment, and to propose improvements to facilitate these businesses and increase women’s participation in the formal economy especially as entrepreneurs.

    To explore sources of infrastructure finance for the city, a feasibility study will be conducted for a proposed apex financial institution to address key constraints for channeling financing for the city’s infrastructure needs.

Progress Highlights, CLICK, Investment Department Government of Sindh

  • Development of Consolidated Business Registry (CBR) of 240, registrations, licenses, certificates, and permits identified from 16 key regulatory departments available for public information at www.business.gos.pk.
  • Process Mapping and Business Process Reengineering of 140+ have Comprehensive recommendations involving 16 government regulatory departments to streamline processes and create a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and investors.
  • The entire Stakeholder engagement with business chambers and councils has enriched the reform process.
  • The development of a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure for the Sindh Business One Stop Shop (SBOSS) is underway. In collaboration with Ms. Telconet as the technology development partner, a groundbreaking system is being designed to seamlessly integrate 16 key government departments, facilitating access to 130 Registrations Licenses, Certificates, and Other Permits (RLCOs).
  • Meticulously developed the Rollout and Implementation plan including Specification and functional requirements, presented in the cabinet for approval; Cabinet hasapproved the Rollout and Implementation plan on May 30, 2024.
  • A legal roadmap involving 257 legal amendments, proposing major modernized regulatory systems via S-BOSS, including online applications and e-payments.
  • A groundbreaking research study has been conducted identifying the constraints faced by women entrepreneurs, to create strategies for empowering women entrepreneurs and to facilitate them into the formal economy.
  • For public information access www.business.gos.pk has been developed by CLICK, Investment Department, and Government of Sindh. The website includes the statistics of priority sectors and regulatory cost calculators.
  • A mobile application named as “CLICK Karobar” has been developed under know your approval.

For more information and updates on this transformative initiative, please visit our website www.business.gos.pk, or contact our Communications team at 021-9920755-7, email [email protected], follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.

“The S-BOSS initiative is set to transform business-government interactions. The state-of-the-art IT infrastructure simplifies engagement of businesses with regulatory agencies, making it transparent, efficient, and less discretionary.”