CrimsonLogic Helps Automate Qatar's Customs System

SINGAPORE, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- CrimsonLogic, a leading provider of eGovernment solutions and services, was awarded a contract in 2008 by the State of Qatar to design and implement a nationwide eGovernment system to automate and streamline the customs administration system. Currently in phases of implementation, the system, upon completion, will simplify procedures to bring about hassle-free trade clearance for the local trading community and their international trading partners.

The Qatar Customs Clearance Single Window (QCCSW) project, granted by government agency ictQATAR, with support from the Customs and Ports General Authority (CPGA), will provide a single electronic interface linking the trading community with up to 13 relevant ministries and government agencies. This will facilitate data exchange for cargo clearance, encourage a seamless cross-border trade flow and reduce time spent on paperwork.

"We are excited to be part of this revolutionary system by the Qatari government. Qatar is a visionary country and is aggressively embracing automation to achieve greater transparency and increased business efficiency. The QCCSW project is a significant milestone in Qatar's extensive automation drive as it puts in place a unified clearing system that simplifies customs procedures and ensures accuracy, as well as brings significant cost savings to government agencies and the trading community," said Leong Peng Kiong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), CrimsonLogic.

The new customs system employs a method of classification, by separating declarations according to the importance of inspections needed. Qatar is set to lessen customs inspection to just five percent of total imports -- a target set by the country's Maritime Customs. Importers will be able to save time and efforts as clearance procedures will now be conducted virtually. Consignment clearances will also be greatly reduced from a period of a few weeks to a few minutes, preventing overcrowding and demurrages in Qatari ports. This utilisation of international best practices will benefit economic development and promote foreign investment in the country.

On the challenges of executing multi-geographical solution implementations, Mr Leong said, "Our approach to any solution is holistic and goes beyond IT systems and implementation. Specifically, it encompasses devising comprehensive change management programmes to cultivate adoption of the system amongst potential users. Similarly, for the Qatar project, the provision of online end-to-end services aims to make it convenient for users to use the system during the customs clearance process."

In a span of five years, CrimsonLogic has established a strong presence in the Middle East, having worked on several prominent projects, including a trade facilitation project known as SaudiEDI in Saudi Arabia in 2005, an integrated arbitration system in Dubai in 2007, and an eJustice programme in the United Arab Emirates in 2008.

As a leading eGovernment solution provider worldwide, CrimsonLogic has been working with governments across the globe to develop and implement eGovernment systems. Just last month, it announced its recent appointment by the government of Mauritius to help design and implement an eJudiciary programme. This new system aims to improve court administration, boost judicial transparency and efficiency.

Commissioned by the Judiciary of Mauritius and in partnership with local partner Mauritius Network Service, CrimsonLogic will be establishing an eJudiciary platform that delivers e-Filing and Case Management capabilities to automate internal processes for the Supreme Court in the first phase of the project.  The rollout of activities from planning, designing, marketing, delivering and supporting various eJudiciary services will take place over a period of 18 months.

The programme will enable the Judiciary to move towards a paperless system, easing the reliance on paper and eliminating the need for physical storage space and security. This integrated platform enables seamless case filing, notary services and legal research -- minimising the risks of human error and time spent on administrative procedures. The legal fraternity will also benefit from its single user interface where the easy management of cases from initiation, trial and then disposal can be facilitated. In addition, CrimsonLogic will work closely with the Judiciary to drive user adoption amongst government officials and the legal community.

About CrimsonLogic Pte Ltd

CrimsonLogic is a trusted partner to governments worldwide. For over 20 years, CrimsonLogic has worked with governments across Asia, Middle East, North America, Latin America and Africa to find innovative and sustainable solutions to collaborate more seamlessly with their citizens and ecosystem.

CrimsonLogic has continued to set industry-standards by delivering world-first eGovernment solutions to optimize workflow, increase operational efficiencies, and improve decision-making. CrimsonLogic has the unique ability to deliver end-to-end services, from designing and building eGovernment solutions, through to operating these services in order to drive substantial and lasting improvements.

SOURCE CrimsonLogic Pte Ltd