World Bank funds trade program for Asean

MANILA, Philippines - Automation of customs operations in the Philippines is getting a big boost with the World Bank (WB) coming into the picture to fund the national single window to facilitate trade.

This was announced by Paul Kimberley, WB consultant on single window programs across Asia who has been going the rounds consulting different stakeholders on the plan to adopt a system of customs administration comparable to the best in the world.

Per agreement with President Arroyo, Kimberley said the single window program will be demonstrated n the first quarter of next year when Philippine customs operations will be linked up to the rest of the ASEAN under the regional trade bloc’s ASEAN single window program.

Kimberley told representatives of shipping lines and exporters in a meeting at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) that once in place, the program will reduce to a minimum person-to-person contact in export and import transactions and will be a powerful weapon at minimizing smuggling in Philippine ports of entry.

Stakeholders all welcomed the program as it will not only help boost the revenue-raising capability of government but will also facilitate trade.

The WB consultant said the project will be expensive, although he did not put a price tag on it. He only said that President Arroyo wants it to take-off as soon as feasible.

The same lending agency has been financing customs modernization throughout Asia. – Philexport News and Features