The prudent and efficient implementation of trade facilitation innovations such as the National Single Window system of goods clearance at the country’s points of entry could push an additional US$200m into the national kitty annually, according to trade expert Tom Butterly.

Speaking at a media trade facilitation workshop, he tasked government to set a national goal that seeks to reduce trade-related costs and delays by 50 percent within the next three years.

“Set ministerial level agency benchmarks and goals for all related regulatory agencies to work collaboratively and with business stakeholders, to simplify and streamline their interagency procedures and documentary requirements related to exporting, importing and transiting of strategic products,” he said.

According to him, implementation of the National Single Window project will reduce time and cost for business.

Mr. Butterly called for strong willingness and support from all stakeholders, as that is the only way full benefits of the project can be realised.

The National Single Window project is expected to reduce time and cost of doing business, ensure reductions in the ‘human interfaces’, increase transparency, and system security and reliability as well as overall economic benefits to the country.

To achieve these aims, Mr. Butterly urged stakeholders and the general public to remove unfounded anxieties and fear about the GNSW and accelerate adoption of new processes and procedures.

He also urged government to empower all stakeholders to utilise and benefit from the project, as well as develop the skills-level of all stakeholders to operate the GNSW.

Valentina Mintah, Managing Director of West Blue Consulting, said it is common knowledge that excessive bureaucracy is the most severe constraint to trade processing in Africa.

She said African importers and exporters remain uncompetitive in the global business arena, and this is attributable in part to the number of days it takes to complete import and export processing and their attendant costs

“The collaboration of Ghana and Nigeria on trade facilitation activities will bring about further gains in our quest for increased intra-African trade, with the realisation of efficient processes and movement of goods.

“No matter how much is done as individual institutions and countries in addressing these bottlenecks, it cannot be compared with the positive and timely impact that can be achieved with the joined-up efforts of all stakeholders

“When we join forces and pursue goals of the National Single Window concept, it will be relatively easy to create a solid foundation that enables us achieve 50 percent better, faster and cheaper trade across border indicators and beyond,” she added.