EU: Window system setup cost millions

Business

THE cost of setting up an online interface “single window system” is likely to cost more than K20 million, according to an European Union official.
The system is expected to enhance trade processes.
EU technical assistance expert Timothy Little said this was based on the costing by other countries in the region that had the single window system.
He was addressing a workshop hosted by the EU Trade Related Assistance Project – Phase 2 (TRA2) and the PNG government, in cooperation with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.
A single window allows parties involved in trade and transport to lodge standardised information and documents with a single-entry point, to fulfil all import, export and transit related regulatory requirements, according to World Customs Organisation.
The EU through the TRA2 project completed its feasibility study on the single window system in April.
“We are at the start of the journey to establish a single window system in Papua New Guinea,” Little said.
“A critical first step is an E-commerce legislation as nothing else can happen until it is in place.
“We also did an indicative costing of developing and implementing a single window.
“I must stress that this is indicative and an estimate based on similar countries that have successfully implement the system.
“The indicative costing is US$S7 million,  which is approximately K22 million based on starting point and costs in similar countries in Asia.”