U.S. Invests $7.9 Million to Streamline Asian Shipping
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2008
Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C. - An automated system is being built to drastically reduce the time it takes shipping documents to move through customs in Southeast Asia.
The computer-driven procedure, being created through a U.S. Agency for International Development partnership with the Association of South East Asian Nations, will allow shippers, forwarders and transport operators to avoid the current maze of clearances by using a single-source, data-entry process.
By consolidating the information used for licensing, inspections and customs clearances, the system will speed shipments of goods to, from and within Southeast Asia. The process, supported by a $7.9 million USAID investment over five years, will benefit both the private sector and consumers by cutting costs and enhancing efficiency and security. Expected to be in operation by 2012, the new system will slash the time it takes to process paperwork from sometimes five days to just a few hours.
Funded by USAID and the U.S. Department of State, the clearance program helps the Association of Southeast Asian Nations establish a more peaceful and prosperous region by having its members share similar goals.
For more information about USAID and all of its programs around the world visit www.usaid.gov.
The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.
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