São Paulo – The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) announced yesterday (10th) the launching of a new computerised customs system by the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), in Ramallah, West Bank. The implementation of the Asycuda World software program is the result of a partnership between the PNA, the Unctad and the European Commission (EC), the executive branch of the European Union (EU).
According to the UN Agency, the launching of the system is the final phase in a broader process of modernisation of the Palestinian Customs. The system is going to help simplify customs procedures, benefit local importers and exporters, and provide data for the setting of foreign trade policies, according to the Unctad.
The Asycuda, an English acronym for Automated System for Customs Data, is used in 90 different countries, Palestine being one out of 10 that have adopted the latest version, specially adapted to the local reality. The software is going to operate at the headquarters of the Palestinian Customs and will later be expanded to the 13 existing customs points in the West Bank.
Furthermore, according to the Unctad, by the end of the year the system is going to be expanded to include the Palestinian Customs’ Vehicles Department, and connected via the internet to the Ministry of Transport, so as to make business easier for public organisations, companies and individuals.
Asycuda World involves not only the technological platform, but also the adoption of certain procedures and administrative rules. Its implementation was funded by the European Union.
According to the Unctad, the professional and institutional training that the program will bring is going to expand the PNA’s capacity in risk management and transaction auditing, as well as reduce frauds and contraband, generate data for formulating public policies and increase revenues from customs tariffs.
Furthermore, using the system will save time and money to importers and exporters, as it enables electronic procedures, and therefore does not require people to go to the customs points.
The launch of the software counted on the presence of the Palestinian prime minister and minister of Finance, Salam Fayyad, of the EC envoy, Christian Berger, and of Unctad representatives. Fayyad claimed, according to a release issued by the UN Agency, that the PNA is ready to manage the flow of people and products at Palestinian borders.
According to the Unctad, the PNA’s capacity has been proven when, for a short period, from 2005 to 2006, the Asycuda was used by Palestinian professionals at the border between Rafah, in the Gaza Strip, and Egypt, before Israel shut down the Gaza borders.
The project for modernisation of Palestinian foreign trade, with the participation of the Unctad and the EU, was launched in 2005, and was reported by ANBA at the time. It is part of a more comprehensive plan to create the institutions required for Palestinian sovereignty.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
