ROSEAU – Dominica has launched an online platform that will allow persons to apply for licenses, permits, certificates, and other documents related to imports, exports, and transit documents.
Finance Minister, Dr Irving McIntyre, said that TradeStream forms part of the Roosevelt Skerrit government’s “determination to create a more conducive environment favourable to doing business as seen in our EC $75 million (One Ec dollar=US$0.37 cents) investment in the Caribbean Digital Transformation Programme along with other initiatives funded by tax revenues”.
McIntyre said that the launch of TradeStream is another important step in the government’s continuing efforts to improve the efficiency of services delivered within the public sector.
”I am pleased that we are moving forward with this important initiative, because it is an indication of our seriousness about a reset that touches every aspect of life of doing business
in Dominica.”
McIntyre said the TradeStream application is part of a wider system that government is building to create a truly modern e-government that embraces the digitisation of services and information to streamline administrative processes between the government and the private sector and between government and individuals to create a more open market and a stronger economy.
Acting Comptroller of Customs and Excise Department, Vincent Christmas, said the TradeStream platform will be beneficial to both the business community and government by affording the opportunity to conduct transactions, “which will reduce [our] time of doing business, and ensure the liberalisation of global trade and investment.
“We are stepping in into an era, [of] smarter, faster, and greener trade, and the significance of this cannot be understated,” Christmas said, adding that the government through the customs department reaffirms Dominica’s readiness to continue embracing advanced technology for the prosperity of the nation to foster growth and sustainability.
Furthermore, he believes that the occasion should not only be a celebration for Dominica, but a clarion call to all our fellow customs administrations in the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States.
“Let our steps today inspire you to also embark on this transformative journey. Together we can make the Eastern Caribbean a powerhouse of efficient, sustainable and technology advanced trade.”
Trade Minister, Dr Vince Henderson said Dominica over the years has been pursuing several initiatives to facilitate transactions between the population and the government.
“Accessing government’s services is now online more than ever before and we today are celebrating another great milestone, another great achievement to continue to facilitate the transactions between the people and the services that the government provides.”
Henderson said that TradeStream presents an opportunity to reduce transaction costs, “and hopefully, we will see a reduction in the cost of goods arriving on our shores”. (CMC)
