AS part of the government’s thrust to modernise the state and ease the hurdles that entrepreneurs face when doing business, the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce has invited bids to facilitate the establishment of the electronic single window for trade.

In an advertisement, the ministry noted that it invites eligible bidders for the supply of hardware equipment for partnering government agencies in three lots. The first lot caters for the supply of desktop computer hardware, monitors, printers and ink.

The second and third lots cater for power supply and protection equipment and the supply of software for the agencies respectively.

The bids should be submitted to the chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) by March 26, 2024.

Earlier this year, during the National Budget debates, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond had stated that the electronic single window for trade systems will be brought on stream soon.

It was explained that the initiative is part of several policies outlined in the fiscal package this year to support small business owners across the country. At that time she noted that works on the system are in its advanced stages.

“The electronic single-window for trade will to a large extent automate the process for clearing items for import and export, delivering a substantial decrease in the time and expenses associated with the trade-related process,” she added.

The sum of $600 million was set aside in the budget for this initiative.

The establishment of this system will integrate the procedures, information and requirements of some 14 agencies in the import-export regime.