Georgia to implement single window service in Georgian ports

In 2019-2020 Georgia will implement single window service in all Georgian ports, aiming to support Georgia's transit potential, announces the Georgian Ministry of Economy.

The purpose of the single window concept is to provide ports with digital government services and relieve ships of having to go through bureaucratic barriers and unnecessary processing of documentation, says the ministry.

Single window is “a system that allows traders to lodge information with a single body to fulfil all import- or export-related regulatory requirements,” explains the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

The first phase of the project is "research of needs", which includes inventorying all maritime services and analysing the reduction of existing bureaucracy, while the second phase includes software development and commissioning.

One of the key components of Georgia's European integration process is the integration of the trade sector into the European single window system, which will bring Georgia a strategic advantage," said Georgian Economy Minister Natia Turnava.

The project was developed by the Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia. Photo: Georgian Ministry of Economy.

Turnava noted that a single window system will increase volume of freight at ports and will also allow Georgian ports to plan cargo transport in advance for regular cargo ships by category and volume.

Simplified and automated business procedures will significantly save human resources and give us the opportunity to achieve results in the shortest possible time," said Tamar Ioseliani, head of the Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia.

Ioseliani noted that the project will give Georgia the opportunity to increase competitiveness as a maritime country and to create an attractive maritime sector.

The first phase of the project is funded by the US Embassy to Georgia.

The project was developed by the Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia.