E-docs a must for local trade to thrive worldwide

By implementing an effective trade facilitation program, Sri Lanka could have a distinct advantage over its competitors making country's trading systems more efficient, experts of the field, highlight. "A strong partnership between governments and the trade, and the direction and leadership of policy makers to make things happen can make the effort a success," said, T.S.A. de Silva, an expert in the field.

De Silva contributes his expertise as a consultant to the e-documentation programme of the UN for Sri Lanka.

"Sri Lanka Customs had made some progress by introducing several methods such as the Electronic Data Interchange which have brought certain benefits to the trade and the government. The next step is to use Web based technology such as e-docs and introduce a Single Electronic Window," Mr. de Silva further added.

"Inefficient trade procedures are one of the main reasons why Sri Lanka has not been able to attract any blue chip companies or high tech industries," Mr. de Silva said adding that modern proficient companies depend on sophisticated goods flows to keep inventory costs to an absolute necessary level and then depend on Quick Response Logistics (QRL) and Computer Aided Acquisition (QAA) and retailing.

Identifying the importance of this sector, specifically for trade facilitation to make Sri Lanka a trading and a logistics hub in the region, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce targets to,

(a) Identify and establish links with the institutions from the extended domain (i.e. EDB, AirPort Aviation, Banks, other Chambers and Associations, etc.)

(b) Identified areas of institutional integration and simplifications (both document formats and procedures) are agreed upon within the group and are forwarded to the relevant authorities for implementation approval

(c) To have systems in place to process export declarations to meet the requirements of all genuine exporters

(d) To have a system in place that would enable at least 80% of imports to be cleared from sea ports/airports on arrival/within 3 hours of discharging cargo.

(e) To operate Single Electronic Windows (SEW) in Sri Lanka

(f) To extend the Sri Lankan SEW to at-least two SAARC countries in line with FTAs

(g) To establish operational connection with the Pan Asian E-Commerce Alliance

(h) To establish operational links on e-trade with all major trading partners in conducting trade through SEWs.

"By implementing an effective trade facilitation program, the Port of Colombo and the Colombo Airport too could benefit immensely due to increased efficiency and a high port throughput attributing to attracting more cargo and vessels that could in turn result in reduced port charges and lower freight rates," said Ms. Ayoni Waniganayake, Senior Assistant Secretary General, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

A recently done survey have revealed, said Mr. de Silva that on an average it takes two to seven days to clear our imports while the duration to complete the export procedure have not changed significantly.

Mr. de Silva further added that the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is preparing to introduce an e-CO (Electronic Certificate of Origin) based on UNeDocs standards that can be extended to an e-SAD (Electronic Single Administrative Document).

Most developing countries within the WTO (World Trade Organisation) that once resented "Trade Facilitation" have recognized the importance of introducing trade facilitation measures to become internationally competitive. (DY)