Rwanda launches online one-stop trade shop

The electronic single window allows information and administrative requirements for imports and exports to be submitted at a single entry point online.

The pilot phase of the single window implementation will run for approximately three months before the full roll out with other organizations come May 2012.

Rwanda has launched pilot project to operate an electronic single window aimed at facilitating international trade. The move will expedite and simplify information flow between traders and government institutions.

The electronic single window allows information and administrative requirements for imports and exports to be submitted at a single entry point online.

The process is expected to introduce greater transparency and accountability into the whole chain of clearing goods.

It will be using ASYCUDA World, which is a combination of customs management system and integrated border management system developed by UNCTAD.

“Once effectively implemented, it will improve the country’s competitiveness in terms of increased domestic investment and foreign trade due to the simplified clearance processes,” said Francois Kanimba, the Rwandan Minister for Trade and Industry on Tuesday during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the four agencies implementing the pilot project.

Mr Kanimba added that as land locked country, Rwanda needs to introduce simplified systems to facilitate trade, as well as create a conducive investment climate to attract more investments to spur economic growth.

While the plan is to roll out the program across all relevant government institutions involved in international trade , at the pilot stage, the Electronic Single Window project will involve 5 principal stakeholders: the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), Rwanda Ministry of Health (MoH), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) and Magasins Generaux du Rwanda (MAGERWA).

The project is financed by Trade Mark East Africa to a tune of $3.33 million as part of its programme of supporting Regional Integration and reducing the cost of transport.

“One of the biggest challenges facing Rwanda is landlockedness. Approximately 40 per cent of the price of imported good is related to the cost of transport and logistics from the Ports of Dar-esalaam, Mombasa along the corridors.” said Mark Priestley, TradeMark East Africa, Rwanda Country Director.

He added that the high transport costs make Rwanda one of the most expensive countries in the region yet using the electronic single window could lead to savings for businesses of approximately 1 per cent of the value of all traded goods of approximately $6-9 million year.

“Plans are under way to bring more organizations that deal with import export trade facilitation on board such that all taxpayers’ needs are catered for,” said Ben Kagarama, the Commissioner General, Rwanda Revenue Authority.

The pilot phase of the single window implementation will run for approximately three months before the full roll out with other organizations come May 2012.