World Bank helps Georgia boost cross-border trade

Customs clearance zone in Poti, western Georgia. Photo by rs.ge
Agenda.ge, 04 Mar 2014 - 16:08, Tbilisi,Georgia

The Investment Climate Advisory Services of the World Bank Group is helping modernize trade logistics system and streamline customs procedures, saving time and boosting cross-border trade.

The upgraded integrated customs information system will be used to manage trade transactions by the Georgia Revenue Service. As a result, enhanced features will modernize and streamline customs procedures.

"The new system will greatly increase the efficiency of customs administration. The system is based on modern technology and will bring the Georgian customs’ IT system into a new era,” said Georgia Revenue Service director general Irakli Gvaramadze.

The upgrade will enable efficient and compatible data exchange between the Revenue Service and other agencies.

International Finance Corporation (IFC) South Caucasus regional manager Thomas Lubeck believed upgrading the system at Georgia customs would allow more efficient cross-border trade.

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has partnered with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to upgrade the integrated customs information system used to manage trade transactions by the Georgia Revenue Service.