ASYCUDA project improves customs management in Comoros
COMESA Secretariat has successfully implemented the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World Project in Comoros. This is expected to improve efficiency in the customs management systems in accordance with regional and international regulations.
ASYCUDA is a computerized system designed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development that covers most foreign trade procedures. Using the ASYCUDA, the Comoros customs system administration has been modernized and has strengthened the operational capacities of the customs administration, through enhanced monitoring in the linked offices of the islands. This will also introduce efficient management of customs procedures, clearance for import, export and transit.
More than 30 agencies have been connected across the Islands of Comoros through phase 1 of the ASYCUDA World (AW) project. Following the migration to ASYCUDA World, in phase 2, a fully operational system should be able to handle more than 500,000 declarations annually for imports by the private sector and other economic operators, with a peak of over 3,000 declarations daily.
The increased processing of manifests in ASYCUDA is estimated to reach over 5,000 manifests in 2018 and the number of users should grow from 150 users in 2015 to more than 300 users by 2018.
The ASYCUDA World is a €1,074,401 project supported from the COMESA Adjustment Facility (CAF) funded by the European Union (EU) through the RISM programme. To date, €638,449 from this envelop has enabled, all four customs offices, including the three ports and airports in Comoros, representing almost 100% of the transaction volume, to be equipped with ASYCUDA ++ system with a secure network infrastructure.
Following the successful installation of the project, COMESA through the Regional Integration Support Mechanism (RISM) held a workshop in the capital Moroni to close the ASYCUDA World project.
Speaking at the workshop, a representative of the Minister of Finance and Budget Mr. Saïd Ali Chaihane told the delegates that the project was key for the development of the country’s economy and is aligned with the government’s strategy to reinforce Comoros’ public funds.
“Indeed, the new IT platform should provide declarants and transporters the opportunity to work from their premises and enable Comoros to cope with a more fluid business environment,” he said.
He added that the migration to ASYCUDA World as well as the networking of all the customs agencies were significant in improving the efficiency and transparency of the whole customs process.
