TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) and Royal Danish Embassy signed a Bilateral Agreement on Tuesday to support implementation of the National Electronic single window (NSEW) in Uganda.
Uganda is set to attain a one stop electronic trade clearance computerised system which will enhance its competitiveness in regional trade as a result of a partnership.
The partnership was signed on Tuesday at TradeMark’s main offices at the Course View Towers in Kampala.
The Bilateral Agreement will support the implementation of the National Electronic Single Window (NSEW) in Uganda.
Once complete, NESW will lead to enhanced availability and ease in accessing and handling of international trade documents and information leading to reduced transaction delays and costs related to document handling for imports and exports.
Speaking at the ceremony, Danish Ambassador, H.E. Dan E. Frederiksen on behalf of the Royal Danish Embassy said his Government will provide TMEA with aGrant of $5million in support of TMEA’s efforts to reach the agreed objectives and outputs of implementing the NESW.
“TMEA will be responsible for planning, monitoring and reporting of the NESW and will work closely with Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC).”
H.E Ambassador Frederiksen said he is impressed with the customs reforms at URA.
“What I particularly like about this is that these new systems with very advanced technology build the business community’s confidence in URA systems and reduce the cost of doing business,” Amb Frederiksen said.
“I am convinced that the new Danish grant to TMEA will successfully build on these experiences. Not only will it significantly reduce the time it takes to clear goods at the borders but it will also enhance revenue collection and increase transparency in the clearing of goods and thereby reduce red tape. All this is very important to Denmark and Uganda.”
Trademark Uganda Country Director, Allen Asiimwe noted that the single window will be critical in ensuring that Uganda succeeds in eliminating some of the Non Tarrif Barriers and remains competitive in regional trade for its prosperity.
Asiimwe said the funding received from the Danish Government will go a long way to support key agencies in Uganda to ensure they achieve their objectives in the field of trade facilitation.
