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Barnama
22-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Data, Digitalisation Vital In Unlocking Sabah's Trade Potential
BUSINESS By Jailani Hasan LABUAN, July 22 (Bernama) -- Data and digitalisation are becoming vital tools in unlocking Sabah's full trade and logistics potential, with a logistics expert calling for deeper integration and coordination across the state's supply chain ecosystem. Former president of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and vice-president of CILT International for Southeast Asia Datuk Dr Ramli Amir said digital transformation, including the development of centralised logistics data platforms, is essential for Sabah to remain competitive in regional and global markets. 'Without data, we cannot plan, coordinate and optimise operations. 'Data enables us to assess performance and identify gaps, whether at port operations, inland connectivity or customs,' he said in a note to Bernama today. He noted Sabah's ports, particularly Sepanggar Bay Container Port have grown in capacity and importance, but the state still suffers from siloed data systems and fragmented coordination among stakeholders. Ramli sees the need for a unified digital trade ecosystem where customs, ports, freight forwarders, and government agencies operate through integrated platforms to improve turnaround times and facilitate real-time cargo tracking. He said Sabah should accelerate the adoption of advanced tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and predictive analytics to support trade flows and strategic planning. Citing best practices from countries like Vietnam and Singapore, Ramli stressed that Sabah must move towards a data-centric approach to trade facilitation, especially under Malaysia's broader initiatives like the National Single Window (NSW) and ASEAN connectivity goals.
Business Recorder
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Regulating to the brink
The strike being planned by Pakistan's business community and industrialists says a lot about the current state of the economy. It is not just about taxes—it is about the growing sense that those who follow the rules are the ones being punished. At a time when the formal sector needs to lead the charge toward economic recovery, it finds itself raising alarm over policies that further penalize those already within the tax net. Despite years of talk about improving the ease of doing business, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Businesses that are registered, documented, and paying taxes are weighed down by layer upon layer of regulation. There is nothing wrong with having rules—markets need structure to function—but the way rules are made and applied in Pakistan often feels arbitrary, duplicative, and counterproductive. PIDE's study 'Regulatory Bodies: Hurting Growth and Investment' puts a number on what many businesses have been saying for years: the regulatory burden is massive—over 67 percent of GDP. With more than 100 regulatory bodies operating at the federal level alone, it is no surprise that companies face constant hurdles. In some sectors, just meeting compliance requirements costs nearly 40 percent of GDP. What makes it worse is that many regulations do not actually solve real problems. Instead, they are used to serve narrow interests or to maintain control, rather than to create a level playing field. The institutions meant to oversee these markets often lack the necessary expertise. Many are led by retired officials who may have long experience in bureaucracy, but little understanding of how businesses or markets actually work today. The grievances raised by business chambers ahead of the strike centre on similar issues—particularly the tax measures and provisions introduced in the latest Finance Act. These include a sharp increase in withholding taxes on turnover, a heavier minimum tax burden, and controversial provisions granting FBR officials arrest powers in cases of alleged tax fraud. Businesses also point to a clear policy bias that appears to favour retailers and traders over the documented industrial sector. In contrast, comparable economies like Malaysia and Vietnam offer lessons in how regulatory frameworks can enable, rather than hinder, growth. Malaysia's single-window digital portal for business registration and its digitized tax system have slashed red tape and built taxpayer confidence. Vietnam has introduced a National Single Window integrating trade compliance across ministries, and its stable tax regime has earned investor trust. Both countries have also empowered investment agencies to actively assist businesses. For Pakistan, the way forward lies not in more regulation, but in smarter regulation. This requires a dual approach: first, consolidating and modernizing the regulatory landscape by eliminating outdated, rigid, and redundant rules; and second, institutionalizing reforms with strong political will and competent leadership. A structured system for introducing new regulations—based on evidence, impact assessments, and stakeholder input—must replace ad-hoc policymaking. Equally important is the need to strengthen institutional capacity through skilled personnel, process reform, and strategic planning. If meaningful reform does not happen soon, the country could push its formal sector further to the sidelines—just when the country needs it the most to steer the economy back on track.
Fibre2Fashion
01-07-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Vietnam issues new circular on issuance of certificates of origin
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) recently issued a fresh circular detailing the issuance of certificates of origin (C/O) and written approvals for self-certification. The circular takes effect from today. In case of changes to relevant legal documents, implementation shall be based on the latest amended or supplementary regulations. The circular authorises two groups of entities to carry out the work: the import and export department under the MoIT, and organisations assigned by provincial-level People's Committees. The latter are required to organise the implementation of C/O issuance within 90 days from the effective date of the circular. The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) recently issued a fresh circular detailing the issuance of certificates of origin (C/O) and written approvals for self-certification. The circular takes effect from today. It authorises two groups of entities to carry out the work: the import and export department under the MoIT, and organisations assigned by provincial-level People's Committees. Both are responsible for issuing C/Os and written approvals, provided they meet the required conditions regarding human resources, physical infrastructure, fee collection accounts and digital infrastructure connected to the eCoSys electronic certification system, according to domestic media reports. The circular emphasises the principle of uniform and comprehensive state management over goods origin, while ensuring strict compliance with Vietnam's international commitments. It also affirms that implementation must not disrupt the enforcement of treaties or international agreements related to origin. The technical infrastructure of this system is managed by the department of e-commerce and digital economy, which is also responsible for ensuring data connectivity with the National Single Window portal. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Zawya
13-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Webb Fontaine Accelerates Benin's Customs Transformation with Key Milestones
Webb Fontaine ( a leading provider of trade facilitation solutions, has announced a significant milestone in its Customs digitalization project in Benin. The initiative is driving a fundamental transformation in Customs operations across the country. The announcement was made at the 15th Public Finance Review Meeting in Cotonou, an event that brought together key stakeholders and technical partners under the patronage of Mr. Alban Bienvenu BESSAN, Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance. Launched in July 2022, the Webb Customs project has already recorded convincing results. Indeed, to date, 44 of the country's 49 customs offices have adopted Webb Customs as a replacement for the ASYCUDAWorld system. Webb Customs already enabled the collection of over 30 billion CFA francs in revenue, the activation of more than 700 user accounts, 90 company accounts, the issuance of 48,000 laissez-passers, the processing of 59,000 returns and issuing more than 100,000 receipts. The migration to Webb Customs in the last five offices, the largest revenue earners of the country, including the port of Cotonou, is planned for mid-2025. This will result in an exponential increase in the above statistics. The successful partnership between the government of the republic of Benin and Webb Fontaine demonstrates how innovative technology can drive efficiency, security, and compliance in modern Customs operations. Alioune Ciss, CEO of Webb Fontaine Group said: ' We are proud to contribute to a more modern, efficient, and transparent Beninese Customs using advanced technologies, including AI, to strengthen the security of Customs operations and facilitate the exchange of information between Customs and other stakeholders along the global supply chain.' Webb Customs provides authorities with a fully digitalized, AI-powered Customs Management System that interconnects all trade platforms such as the National Single Window, the Port Community System and the Electronic Cargo Tracking solution. The result is a streamlined process for cargo clearance that reduces clearance time and corruption, secures Customs revenue and introduces a paperless environment . Webb Fontaine has set several future goals in Benin, focusing on further advancing the modernization of trade and Customs systems through technological integration, research and development, and strategic partnerships. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Webb Fontaine. About Webb Fontaine: Established in 2002 and headquartered in Dubai, UAE, Webb Fontaine is a leading technology company specializing in Artificial Intelligence-driven solutions for global trade. With offices spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, the company leverages its extensive expertise to provide governments and communities with innovative solutions that streamline trade processes and enhance efficiency. Webb Fontaine is renowned for its pioneering technologies that help reduce trade fraud, improve Customs revenue, and expedite clearance times, supporting smoother and more profitable trading ecosystems. The company prides itself on a diverse workforce of over 700 professionals from 41 nationalities, emphasizing a culture of excellence, innovation, and integrity. The firm's commitment to research and development is unmatched, owning the largest R&D centres in the trade sector, which are pivotal in advancing trade technology and practices. Webb Fontaine's accolades include numerous international awards and certifications, underscoring its dedication to quality and leadership in trade facilitation.
Zawya
07-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: After 32-years, NPA reviews port tariff by 15%
Compelled by the exigency of bringing Nigerian Ports up to speed with those of its peers in terms of infrastructure and equipment, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Thursday said that it has secured necessary approvals for an upward review in its tariffs which was last reviewed in the year 1993. The 15 per cent upward increase which is to cut across all NPA rates and dues is premised on the urgent need to address the undesirable reality of aged and weak Infrastructure, obsolete equipment and slow port capacity expansion which has continued to diminish the performance and indeed competitiveness of Nigerian Ports. Speaking on Thursday at a stakeholders meeting held in Lagos, the NPA Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho who was represented by the Authority's Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Olalekan Badmus said that the NPA decision to meet stakeholders over the increment was borne out of the desire to carry everyone along. According ro the NPA Managing Director, 'Globally, Port Authorities depend on revenue from operations to stay alive to their responsibilities which includes construction and maintenance of Port infrastructure, dredging of channels, provision of aids for safe navigation, provision of modern marine crafts for efficient harbour services, automation and digitization of port transactions, port security, energy efficiency and training and retraining of its employees. 'The global index of Port rating and competitiveness which the international trade community relies on for its choice of countries to do business with, derives its data from how well the aforementioned responsibilities are addressed. 'Coming at this period of global economic upheaval and scramble for markets, this belated Tariff review borne out of necessity constitutes a critical success factor in Nigeria's quest to win back cargo handling business and its accompanying benefits including job opportunities it had lost to its maritime neighbours. 'Contrary to the popular but erroneous notion that attributes high Port costs to NPA relative to its peers, verifiable data shows NPA Tariffs are amongst the lowest in the region. 'The high incidence of unreceipted costs due to unduly high human interface, bureaucratic bottlenecks, functional overlaps resulting from the absence of a Port Community System (PCS) and its corollary the National Single Window (NSW) are responsible for this contrived falsehood. 'Although long overdue, a quick win benefit of the NPA Tariff review for stakeholders, is the immediate boost it gives to the Authority to fast track the commencement of actual works on its concluded Port reconstruction and modernization plans. 'Secondly, the Tariff review provides the necessary guarantees to fund the acquisition and urgent deployment of the Information Communications Technology (ICT) backbone of the PCS which is the precursor to the implementation of the NSW. 'Furthermore, the increased revenue generation arising from the review buoys the Authority's capacity for critical maintenance works to open up the Eastern Ports for increased vessel and cargo traffic such as the reconstruction of collapsed Escravos Breakwaters and challenged aspects of Rivers, Onne and Calabar Ports respectively.' Also speaking during the stakeholders meeting, Joshua Asanga a stakeholder agreed with the increase adding that the value of NPA present tariff has since been suppressed by Inflation which is at about 35 percent. Asanga listed port management liabilities like wages, fuel and other areas of expenditure as having adjusted upwards without a commensurate rise in NPA charges for over thirty years. He added that NPA needs funds for improved port infrastructure, robust ICT for Port Community System, procurement of tug boats and other operational platforms to achieve efficiency. Another stakeholder, Demian Ukagu, who spoke at the event talked on the need to apply more NPA funding to outer port facilities and jetties like the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal and the development of other critical port facilities across the country. He added that NPA rates should be able to cover these costs would guarantee minimum return on investment and promote sustainable trade. The meeting agreed that existing tariffs were set devoid of capital cost, labour cost, consumables and overhead expenditures needed to run the ports. They feared that keeping the ports on the old tariff would promote consequences like poor service, inadequate infrastructure, poor remuneration, obsolete port facilities, equipment and infrastructure. NPA reviews port tariff by 15% READ MORE FROM: Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
