On December 13, a software program designed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD's ASYCUDAWorld) was launched in Kiribati and Tuvalu, two Pacific islands, to automate import and export clearance processes.
"The measure will make trade easier, faster and cheaper for companies from the two Pacific island nations and for those wishing to do business with them," UNCTAD said in a statement.
Until now, the agency said, customs formalities were processed manually on the islands. This was a slow process that prevented customs officials from completing other important tasks and required traders to travel to import and export clearing points to physically present their documents.
UNCTAD explained that automation and simplification of procedures should boost government revenue by ensuring that all goods are declared and that the correct duties, taxes and regulations are applied in a uniform and consistent manner.
El ASYCUDAWorld software It will also help authorities collect more reliable and timely trade and tax statistics for better economic planning.
“We are excited about the potential of ASYCUDAWorld to increase our capacity to import and export goods,” Tuilagi Teii, ASYCUDAWorld country project manager for Tuvalu, was quoted as saying in the statement.
Online, Kiribati National Project Manager Tekaie Ititaake added: “Given that ASYCUDAWorld is digital and paperless, companies wishing to import goods into our country can clear their shipments with multiple regulatory agencies at once using the system.
“This saves a physical trip to different government departments before goods can be cleared, which is good for our importers and the environment,” he added.
Furthermore, customs modernization in Kiribati and Tuvalu is complemented by regional integration.
The software will help Kiribati and Tuvalu implement and automate the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus schedules of commitments to reduce import tariffs and harmonize customs procedures, providing greater certainty in cross-border trade and reducing trade costs between the parties.
According to UNCTAD, the launch of the initiative, which coincided with the first anniversary of the aforementioned agreement, will modernize customs administration and facilitate trade in the Pacific region.UNCTAD Press Release)
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
