Shipper's Council wants ASYCUDA system expedited

The key for the shipping industry to move forward is the new and easy methodology that is waiting to be explored and implemented.

The modern technology that can be used to expedite our procedures and processes play a vital role, Sri Lanka Shipper's Council Chairman Gihan Kuruppu said.

It has been very difficult in the past to get the attention of policy makers as their attention and anxiety has been on other crucial areas of concern. Nevertheless as a Council we have been persistent in keeping track of important issues he said. He was speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Shippers' Council held on Wednesday.

"We continue to have a dialogue with the Customs Department on matters through the Imports and Exports Section."

A few matters that still need urgent attention of the authorities are the implementation of the Automated Cargo clearance system, ASYCUDA world System and DTI.

The next phase of the Colombo South Harbour Project that will give Colombo port a tremendous boost and on Maritime Training.

We look forward for the completion of the first Phase of the Hambantota harbour Project and the flooding of its Basin due in November. This harbour is one of the rare dry construction types expected to save millions of rupees for our country.

Sri Lanka Shippers' Council Outgoing Chairman Randolph Perera said that the Council worked very closely with government authorities and the Sri Lanka Customs at various forums for the improvement of the shipping industry.

The shipping community is very keen to see the progress of electronic data interchange (EDI).

The process needs to be expedited. The Sri Lanka Customs have now taken the initiative to promote Data Transmission Interchange (DTI) through ASYCUDA which is of great help to the shipping community. A proper and complete EDI system for import/export cargo clearance which is very much needed for the development of the shipping sector. Freight rates were stable last year, but at the beginning of 2010, we saw an increase in all sectors which has caused much concern to the trade as they are just trying to pick up from the global recession.(SJ)