Trade Point Rwanda is to implement an electronic single window (ESW) to clear trade, tax and transport documents electronically.

The move will reduce delays and costs of clearing and moving consignment for external trade. Early investors have been physically transferring important documents but with ESW, it is hoped this will stop.

Tony Roberto Nsanganira of the Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency (Riepa), said  ESW will also help its stakeholders access market information, tariffs, product prices and know which people to contact in trade transactions.

"It will be easy for an importer in Rwanda to know the market tariffs, and product prices from Dubai with ESW,” said Nsanganira.

ESW stakeholders include: the Private Sector Federation, Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Rwanda Bureau of Standards, Banks, and Insurance companies.

When the system becomes operational in 2008, traders will take a shorter time clearing cargo at both the airport and warehouses in the country. Improved efficiency in RRA customs, clearing agents and warehouse operators is also anticipated.  

Simplifying trade documentation and clearance procedures is the core strategy of Rwanda’s government for trade facilitation and competitiveness.

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