Qatar Development Bank's (QDB) Export Promotion Agency, Tasdeer, has given a thumps up for the new Single Window System (SWS) being implemented by the Qatari Directorate General of Customs (QDGC).

Ever since its launch in 2011, Tasdeer has been making efforts to overhaul the systems, processes and fundamentals to support Qatar's ambition to become an internationally-recognised export hub.  The SWS is one of the many initiatives taken by Tasdeer to promote Qatari exports.

In a recent workshop conducted by Tasdeer and QDGC, Hassan Al Mansoori, Executive Director of Tasdeer, spoke about the benefits and implementation of the SWS and explained how the initiative will be strongly integrated with the Ministry of Interior.  The single window system was implemented in three phases. The first and the second phase was implemented in the Doha Port and further extended to all ports in the third phase. Designed in 2009, the first phase commenced in August 2011, when trial started for most services. In the second phase, implemented in July 2012, all government agencies were linked to the system. In the third phase commencing December 2012, the operation was extended to all ports and the situation is being assessed.

Benefits
Elaborating on the benefits of the SWS, Mansoori said: "The system will play a significant role by reducing the documentary procedure to a record five minutes and reducing the percentage of previews from 70% to 5% by applying risk management systems." The new system is designed to improve performance quality in accordance with global standards of the World Customs Organisation and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The system supports electronic integration and connectivity making the process efficient and transparent.  For instance, the system provides the Ministry of Interior with accurate and instant information on individuals, vehicles and companies; the relevant government bodies with pre-clearance before cargo arrival and quick release of restricted goods; and freight forwarders providing risk systems with information on goods imported.  The system helps the Ministry of Trade match customs receipts with imported materials, confirms authorisation for customs clearance in the commercial register, updates the Statistics Authority with instant and accurate statistics, and aids instant information dissemination across all GCC ports. It is integrated with e-government systems in the country.

Features
Other features of the system include a 24/7 customer call centre, a personal smart card for state portal and a state-of-the-art payment system through credit cards, other bank cards or direct transfer to customs account; a proper and robust risk management system, an electronic site designed to reduce time and effort, audit to ensure the rights of both the state and the customers are protected, pre-clearance to complete customs clearance procedure prior to the arrival of goods and electronic surveillance to analyse and adjust processes or incorrect customs declarations.

Al Mansoori said: "We are looking forward to co-operation from the relevant government agencies to ensure the success of this promising project. We will also work hard with related authorities to keep raising the awareness amongst the local business community."

© Qatar Today 2013