This project brings with it the promise that innovative solutions will finally be implemented to improve the processing time for the clearing of goods at the Port. For many years, we have struggled to streamline the Port and Customs operations, but have never been able to a find a suitable formula. The implementation of ASYCUDA comes at a time when the Government is moving forward with plans to modernize the port facilities. Certainly, it is our intention to efficiently take advantage of the existing opportunities in the different trade Agreements that we are signatories to. Since coming to Office, the Gaston Browne Administration has demonstrated its commitment to support small and large private sector entities. Moreover, through the use of practical and innovative programmes, the Ministry of Trade will focus its efforts to support the private sector to increase its exports. Achieving this goal, will be the focus of a new Trade Policy which will be developed during the first quarter of 2015. We must ensure that all the necessary facilitating mechanisms are in place and working to aid and encourage businesses to export.
If we are to grow our export potential, we must become innovative with our product design and marketing strategies. Having reliable data will aid in the expansion of our trade portfolio through the strategic selection of new markets and the development of policies to adequately address our trading realities.
ASYCUDA WORLD, BARBADOS PORT SOFTWARE
The ASYCUDA software will also enable the production of reliable import and export data, and extract and monitor key commodity imports. Therefore, the data collected by the ASYCUDA software will, among other things, aid in the continuous review of our price control list of food items, for which UNECLAC will partner with the Ministry to execute a technical study commencing next month. In modern societies, no Government can plan or formulate sound policies without timely and accurate data. The implementation of ASYCUDA will greatly improve our perennial data collection challenges. The availability of timely and accurate trade data is a fundamental part of our planning process. I am indeed delighted to be part of this auspicious ceremony to launch the ASYCUDA World software, while recognizing the significant contribution of the European Union to the continued development of Antigua and Barbuda.ĮU resources have once again allowed Antigua and Barbuda to modernize our processes and procedures this time at the Customs and Exercise Department in order to improve business operations ultimately contributing to our competitiveness.Īs Minister with responsibility for Trade, Commerce and Industry, this project is important to fulfilling certain key objectives of my portfolio, especially in relation to the collection of trade statistics. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and Minister of Finance and Corporate GovernanceĪmbassador Mikael Barfod – Head of the EU Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean