TradeNet operational by December

The government is set to roll out by December an online platform which aims to make the processing of import and export permits easier and faster, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).

In an interview, Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said the platform, named TradeNet, is expected to be fully operational by December after the government finishes its pilot test.

“By December, we will go online and we will interconnect with other single windows. It is now being tested. We want to make sure there will be no foul-ups before we interconnect,” Beltran said.

According to Beltran, the pilot test for the platform was started last July. He said the trial has so far yielded positive trade results.

“We did a pilot test with TradeNet last July along with the consultant for the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) single window. It was a successful test, we were able to send and receive documents,” he said.

TradeNet is a single online system which will connect 66 agencies and 10 economic zones involved in regulating trade in the country. To date, about 43 agencies are connected to the system.

Beltran said the platform will make it possible for traders to apply for their accreditation or permit online, and enable regulatory agencies to receive applications and send feedback real time.

He said TradeNet, as part of the DOF’s anti-red tape measures, aims to reduce the time needed for the processing of import and export permits to three days, or even less.

Beltran assured the system has in place cybersecurity features to make sure the system is protected.

“Along with the development of the software, there will be cybersecurity safeguards. We will also input some programs that will protect the system because we don’t want anyone hacking and putting to waste all the files in the system,” Beltran said.

He also pointed out that the system is designed and maintained by Filipino talents.

“Our saving here is big, about 16 to 17 percent because we are using our own people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Beltran said a new database, under the government’s program to improve ease of doing business, would come out by December.