The Launching Ceremony of the Electronic Certificate of Origin Issuing System (e-CO) of the Lao PDR was held on 29 April 2016 by Department of Import and Export, at the Conference Hall of Ministry of Industry and Commerce. The ceremony was hosted by H.E. Mr. Siaosawat Savengsuksa, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce. There were 108 representatives from public sector, private sector, and international organizations.
The objectives of the e-CO system’s development are to facilitate a submission of an applicant for Certificate of Origin under trade preferential agreements that Lao PDR is a party to through an electronic system, that is more convenient, speedy, and cost-saving. The development of e-CO system is financially supported by Challenge Facility Fund and TDF II Project in an amount of 150,000 USD. In order to develop the system, Department of Import and Export selected Cyberia IT Consulting Company, who is a key developer of LTP to develop the e-CO system.
H. E Mr. Siaosawat Savengsuksa stated that “The transformation of the Electronic Certificate of Origin Issuing System in Lao PDR is a step toward fulfilling obligations under ASEAN framework and enable e-CO sytem to link with ASEAN National Single Window in the near future. Moreover, it also contributes in modernizing business environment which is the main objective of the project”.
Under the e-CO system, the exporters are able to declare documents online through www.ecolao.gov.la which could be made anywhere as long as they have computer or tablet that connect to the internet. The exporters will not need to visit the Certificate of Origin’s Authorizer Office multiple times as before.
Mme. Bansaty Thepphavong, Director-General of Department of Import and Export added “the Electronic Certificate of Origin Issuing System or e-CO system takes less than half day to approve the application in comparison to the previous certification system which takes 3 days. Furthermore, we also promulgate regulations to support the implementation mechanism of the system”.
At the initial stage, the service is provided at Department of Import and Export for 06 months. When the implemention goes smoothly, it will be provided in provinces, Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vientiane and provinces, Special Economic Zone, Specific Economic Zone nationwide.
Related article: Announcement on the issue of the Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CO)
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