Abstract
In 2018 I led a team of researchers - we examined Australia’s progress towards implementing a Single Window, and I’ve been asked to provide a brief overview of some of our findings to help you with your own deliberations. As you all know, trading internationally is a complex business. Members of the international trading community – importers, exporters, freight forwarders, customs brokers, airlines, shipping companies and others – are required to deal with multiple regulatory authorities when importing or exporting goods.
In Australia, for example, trade-related regulatory requirements are directly or indirectly administered and enforced by more than 40 agencies at the federal level, as well as some at the state and territory level. To make matters worse, there is very little administrative coordination among the various agencies and, with very few exceptions, the linkages between them have not been automated.
And this problem is not limited to Australia – it applies to some degree to all countries throughout the world. Because of this, the need for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach has been high on the agenda for both the Australian Government and the international trading community for many years, with a focus on the introduction of a ‘trade single window’ that would enable traders to access relevant government services through a single digital interface.
Through such a Single Window, trading information would need to be provided to government only once, and regulatory agencies would remodel their back-end processes to receive and respond to user requirements through the interface.
In Australia, for example, trade-related regulatory requirements are directly or indirectly administered and enforced by more than 40 agencies at the federal level, as well as some at the state and territory level. To make matters worse, there is very little administrative coordination among the various agencies and, with very few exceptions, the linkages between them have not been automated.
And this problem is not limited to Australia – it applies to some degree to all countries throughout the world. Because of this, the need for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach has been high on the agenda for both the Australian Government and the international trading community for many years, with a focus on the introduction of a ‘trade single window’ that would enable traders to access relevant government services through a single digital interface.
Through such a Single Window, trading information would need to be provided to government only once, and regulatory agencies would remodel their back-end processes to receive and respond to user requirements through the interface.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Published - 22 Sept 2022 |
Event | UNESCAP National Single Window Summit 2022: Towards the next generation of the Philippine National Single Window - Online, Manila, Philippines Duration: 22 Sept 2022 → 22 Sept 2022 https://www.unescap.org/events/2022/towards-next-generation-philippine-national-single-window |
Conference
Conference | UNESCAP National Single Window Summit 2022 |
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Abbreviated title | Developing a National Single Window |
Country/Territory | Philippines |
City | Manila |
Period | 22/09/22 → 22/09/22 |
Other | Development of single window in a country is inherently difficult. Many factors need to be taken into full consideration when a national single window system is developed. The rapid development of technology brings not only new solutions but also new challenges in terms of dealing with the legacy of the old system. Development of a national single window must be underpinned by the institutional setting of a country. As national single window in many countries is championed by customs, questions often remain on how other agencies should be involved in developing and utilizing the national single window. Therefore, development and improvement of national single window is similar to aiming at a moving target, which is never easy. Persistence and patience are crucial for all parties and agencies in the journey of developing a single window. In this context, this event aims to take stock of developing Philippines National Single Window (PNSW) and share experiences in developing the single windows in a few selected countries. This event further aims to discuss the way forward for Philippines to further develop its PNSW, as well as challenges and solutions. While development of PNSW is important, acceding to the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific, a UN treaty that ESCAP serves as the secretariat, indicates that Philippines is ambitious to strengthen its work on trade facilitation with other countries. This event will also discuss opportunities for Philippines to participate in cross-border paperless trade. This event is Jointly organized by the Philippine Bureau of Customs and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. |
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