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报告摘要

Rwanda Electronic Single Window (ReSW) Summary

Core Content

The Rwanda Electronic Single Window (ReSW) is a government initiative designed to streamline international trade procedures through the integration of multiple regulatory systems. Implemented in 2011 with support from TradeMark East Africa (TMEA), the project aimed to improve trade efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance transparency by creating a centralized platform for cargo clearance.

Main Objectives

To reduce the time and cost of clearing goods through customs.
To improve collaboration between government agencies and the private sector.
To enhance the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in trade facilitation.
To support regional integration by aligning with the East African Community (EAC) Single Customs Territory.

Key Stakeholders

Alban Odhiambo: Director, ICT for Trade Facilitation at TMEA; technical advisor to the Rwanda Electronic Single Window Project.
Richard Kamajugo: Senior Director, Trade Environment at TMEA; Strategic Objective Leader for the Portfolio under which ReSW falls.
Jackie Zizane: Programme Manager, One Stop Border Post Programme at TMEA; technical lead of all TMEA OSBPs in Rwanda and Burundi.

Background

The ReSW initiative began in 2005 when the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) started automation efforts. However, the initial project failed due to high costs and inefficiencies. In 2011, the government opted for a customs-centric approach, leveraging the existing RRA customs management system based on the UNCTAD ASYCUDA World platform. This decision reduced implementation costs by approximately US$2 million compared to other commercial options.

Implementation Phases

Phase 1: Upgrade of the RRA customs management system.
Phase 2: Development of the ReSW system, granting access to key agencies like the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) and Rwanda Development Board.
Phase 3: Development of ICT and back-end infrastructure for agencies lacking it.

Outcomes

Reduction in clearance time: Import clearance dropped from 264 hours (11 days) in 2012 to 34 hours (1.5 days) in 2014. Export clearance time also improved significantly.
Cost savings: US$2.6 million saved through the elimination of the US$50 tax exemption certificate fee.
Productivity gains: An estimated US$6 million annual savings from reduced parking fees, demurrage, warehousing rent, and storage penalties.
Improved cooperation: Agencies like RRA and RSB developed shared risk profiling mechanisms.
Transparency and efficiency: Real-time monitoring of goods and fewer face-to-face interactions reduced corruption risks.

Lessons Learned

Lesson 1: Systems Thinking and Phased Approach

A phased approach was essential to manage the complexity of the system.
Stakeholders at different readiness levels required tailored strategies.
Systems thinking ensured a holistic understanding of the trade ecosystem and its interdependencies.

Lesson 2: Stakeholder-Driven Solution

The ReSW is primarily a stakeholder-driven initiative, not just a technology solution.
Stakeholder engagement and consensus were crucial to address concerns from smaller agencies and SMEs.
Technology serves as an enabler, not a standalone solution.

Lesson 3: Sustained Development

ReSW is a going concern, not a short-term project.
Sustainability strategies and institutional frameworks were established to ensure continuous improvement.
Structures like the Project Steering Committee (PSC) and Project Implementation Team (PIT) were retained to oversee ongoing development.

Lesson 4: High ROI and IRR

The ReSW has demonstrated a high return on investment, with an estimated US$15M–US$20M annual savings.
Every dollar invested has yielded a three-fold return in terms of cost savings.
The project’s success is attributed to its phased implementation and stakeholder engagement.

Conclusion

The ReSW project exemplifies the value of collaboration, appropriate ICT infrastructure, and political will in trade facilitation. It has not only improved the efficiency of trade in Rwanda but has also inspired other countries in the region, including Burundi and Uganda, to adopt similar models. The initiative is ongoing, with continuous improvements expected into 2018 and beyond.

Key Information

Total Investment: US$7 million by TMEA.
Systems Integrated: SWIFTs (Single Window Information for Trade Systems) with four agencies integrated by 2014.
Technology Platform: Based on UNCTAD ASYCUDA World.
Regional Impact: Inspired regional projects and attracted visits from West African countries.
Future Enhancements: Mobile applications, single sign-in webpage, and integration with EAC customs systems.

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