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Hemispheric cooperation for competitive, secure, sustainable and inclusive ports in the Americas.

Feasibility Study for the Establishment of an Electronic Single Window (ESW) for Trade

The Government of Belize (GOBZ), through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration, is undertaking a project to Establish an Electronic Single Window for Trade, one of the key trade and transport facilitation instruments. In this context, the GOBZ has engaged the CIP Secretariat in a technical assistance project, financed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), to conduct a Feasibility Study for the Establishment of an Electronic Single Window (ESW) for Trade.

Launched in 2023, the 9-month engagement informs and advises the GOBZ on the technical, legal and financial requirements for the establishment and operation of an ESW. To this end, the CIP Secretariat, through coordinating a team of experts, is conducting a study of successful practices in implementing Single Window Systems and make recommendations on the practices that may be most applicable to the Belize context. The GOBZ-CDB-CIP Secretariat collaboration also includes an analysis of the current system for conducting foreign trade transactions in Belize to provide support for achieving an increased level of efficiency.

Key achievements to date:

  • Produced a Best Practice Report that that includes a review of practices employed at regional and global levels and the identification of best practice models that should be considered by Belize.
  • Conducted two (2) technical In-Country Mission and met with dozens of international trade stakeholders to assess human, technical, and technological capacity at major institutions involved in foreign trade transactions, as well as current business processes for imports and exports within each major institution.
  • Conducted an in-person Stakeholder Workshop with a variety of stakeholders to present the key elements of ESW implementation and operation.
  • Prepared a Situational Analysis Report with a set of recommendations for ESW implementation.

For more information, please contact Mona Swoboda, CIP Program Manager, mswoboda@oas.org.