UPU bureau chief urges postal services to go e- commerce

Universal postal Union( UPU) International Bureau Chief , Chokri Elili has urged Postal Services to foster e- commerce development, and ensure the growth of postal services across Africa and globally.

Speaking during the Universal Postal Union Regional Project On Operational Efficiency And ECommerce Development ( Ore 3) Workshop in Gaborone this week Elili said the UPU in coordination with Restricted Unions will continue facilitating capacity building, technical assistance and institutional support for achieving country speci c performance and compliance to operational and technical standards.

ORE 3 project is a continuation of work done during the previous projects, ORE 1 and ORE 2. “e UPU in coordination with Restricted Unions will continue facilitating capacity building, technical assistance and institutional support for achieving country specific performance and compliance to operational and technical standards.” e workshop, was aimed at identifying areas that impact the quality of postal services., which include quality of service assessments, Quality of Service Fund ( QSF), the IPP, Postal Security Postal addressing, Cybersecurity and EMS. Delegates from 41 African countries, along with representation from PAPU, CRASA and UPU experts gathered to advance the agenda of ORE3 project. Ellili told participants that UPU will provide essential capacity- building and assistance to members present to elevate service quality as de ned within the UPU quality frameworks. Communications Regulatory Association of Southern Africa ( CRASA) Executive Sectretary, Bridget Lizie said seek for the postal industry to have impact on the growth of region and that, the postal regulatory frameworks and practices should translate to tangible evidence towards its contribution to the regional agenda and vision. “Recognition has been made by CRASA to allow for harmonised, innovative and agile regulation that accommodates digital services including online tracking, electronic billing and even digital mailboxes.” He said countries need regulatory frameworks that address cross- border digital services including international parcel tracking or electronic customs declarations. “We also recognise the need to high service quality in the postal industry which is essential for successful digital transformation, enabling postal operators to enhance consumer experience, improve operational e ciency, innovate, maintain a competitive advantage, as well as adapt to the evolving trends of e- commerce and digital commerce.” She said it is important for the postal regulations to set standards for service quality and ensure that digital postal services meet the minimum quality requirements in terms of reliability, availability and responsiveness. CRASA with assistance from the UPU has already implemented two phases in regional Quality of service monitoring project and it is currently in the third phase of the project to include all SADC Member Countries.