$135M to advance Electronic Single Window System for trade
-to improve ease of doing business
Some $135 million has been earmarked for the implementation of the Electronic Single Window System for Trade as the Government advances steps to create a business-friendly environment and improve the ease of doing business.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Oneidge Walrond made this statement in her presentation in support of Budget 2021 on Wednesday.
“Instead of our business owners having to run from agency to agency to get their business done, there will be one central portal to apply for and receive any permits that may be necessary.
Last year we allocated $10 million to complete reviews to facilitate implementation. For 2021 we have budgeted $135 million with which we will be procuring the goods and services and by the end of this year, implementation will be well advanced such that in 2022 we will be closer to completion of this initiative.”
Meanwhile, with Guyana set to experience massive infrastructure development Minister Walrond said steps will also be taken to reduce the time it takes for building permits to be issued.
“The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce will work with the Ministry of Housing and Water to develop a Single Window system for construction permits. This will drastically reduce the currently unacceptable 208 days average to obtain planning and building permits.”
Additionally, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali recently committed to engaging Mayors and their Deputies on modernising legislation to establish a single window approval system for building permits.
The President noted that “All studies have identified one of our major deficiencies as the length of time for the approval of building permits. Some instances it stays at some town councils and city council for sometimes two to three years. So, what we have to do now is to work collectively on creating a single window approval system.”
This measure, along with the establishment of the Electronic Single Window for Trade is another demonstration of the Government’s reducing the bureaucracy to foster a busines-friendly environment. The President had also given assurances that his Government would ensure that investors’ applications and requests are facilitated more promptly.