Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson working toward the implementation of ASYCUDA World for Customs St. Maarten
Philipsburg – In a bid to improve the efficiencies in international trade transactions and data collection for statistical and analysis policy formulation on Sint Maarten, the Honorable Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson has sought a proposal outlining the support that the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) can provide to Customs St. Maarten as an implementation partner. Minister Richardson invited representatives of UNCTAD who were in Sint Maarten from August 15th until the 19th, to carry out an initial assessment of the technical assistance required by Customs St. Maarten for the implementation of UNCTAD’s latest Customs Integrated Management System ASYCUDA World.
While in Sint Maarten, UNCTAD Programme Management Officer Peter Terence Leonard who is very eager for ASYCUDA World to be implemented in Sint Maarten met with Minister Richardson and attended a series of meetings with the Management Team of Customs St. Maarten, representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the Department of Statistics, and the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten who were positive about the initiative. Mr. Leonard also met customs brokers, shipping agents, freight forwarders and express couriers during the work visit.
Minister Richardson stated, “After my discussions with Mr. Leonard and the management team of Customs St. Maarten, I am confident that the ASYCUDA World system which is used by governments, in particular Customs Departments in 100 countries and territories around the globe can be an asset for Sint Maarten. The swift reaction by UNCTAD in having a representative on the island at such short notice shows how serious they are as an implementing partner.”
Now that the initial assessment has taken place, the Ministry of Justice is currently awaiting a detailed proposal outlining the options, solutions, estimated costs and implementation timeline for the introduction of ASYCUDA World at each Customs location for due consideration. This proposal is expected within the coming week.
“I take this time to thank UNCTAD and Mr. Leonard for the discussions that have been held thus far with Customs St. Maarten and the relevant stakeholders, and look forward to continuing this fruitful partnership between Customs St. Maarten and UNCTAD towards the improvement of efficiencies in international trade transactions and the enhancement of trade, investment and business opportunities for Sint Maarten,” concluded Minister Richardson.
